Terrapene carolina carolina
Reptile
Southern/Eastern US
Herbivore
Eastern Box Turtles are mostly found within the Southeastern US but can also be found further north all the way up to Main and further south down to the Yucatan Peninsula.
They, alongside other box turtles, are named this way because on the underside of their shell exists a hinged piece called a plastron, which allows them to almost completely close their shell.
Eastern Box Turtles are classified as a vulnerable species by the IUCN and there is a decline in their population. The main reasons for this is due to habitat loss, collection for the pet trade, and being hit by vehicles.
Not all is lost! One way to help is by helping them cross the road if it is safe to do so. Just make sure that you put them in the direction they were already going. Another way to help is by checking your grass before/whilst you mow your yard to make sure you do not accidentally run over one of these turtles.
