Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)

The Eastern Box Turtle is a small to medium-sized terrestrial turtle native to the eastern United States. It is famous for its highly domed shell and hinged plastron, which allows it to completely close itself inside its shell for protection. Eastern Box Turtles display beautiful patterns of yellow, orange, or gold on a dark brown or black shell, with each turtle having unique markings. They inhabit forests, meadows, and moist woodland areas, feeding on insects, worms, berries, mushrooms, and other plant material.