April 30, 2025
On the way to yoga today, I saw my first Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) of the year. Something that I always do with such a sighting, particularly on my mountain road with hardly any traffic, I stopped, pulled out my camera and took pictures. Having a record of the markings on the turtle’s carapace, the domed upper portion of its shell, allows me to identify a turtle if I happen to see it again. The markings on its shell are, like a fingerprint, unique to the individual. Then I took it across the road, in the direction it was heading and put it on the side, and off the road. It was at least for this crossing, safe from any traffic that might happen along.
A few years ago my granddaughter, who was 7 at the time, found a baby Box Turtle here at the cabin. Oh my! Was that ever exciting!
That made me think of their home range, which is typically around 2 acres. It is that small area where they spend their entire life. If picked up and moved to another location that turtle will spend the rest of their life looking for home.
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2 responses to “The First Turtle”
Last week I was clearing thorny vines and I assume it was a disgruntled box turtle that emerged, covered in mud, to avoid the disturbance. I put him under a log — very safe — even though he/she hissed when I picked it up. Usually I leave turtles to their own desires. It didn’t stay, and now I keep looking so I won’t step wrongfully.
you provide so much wonderful commentary and appropriately mindful information… thanks