Geographic distribution. Garcia, A. Maves, and L. Minton, S. Amphibians and Reptiles of Indiana. Reintjes-Tolen, S. Granatosky, K. Krysco, and J. Maps may include both verified and unverified observations. Record verification occurs periodically as time allows. Toggle navigation Indiana Herp Atlas. Identification The Eastern Box Turtle is a small terrestrial species that possesses a horny beak, stout legs, a high domelike carapace that is slightly keeled, and a hinged plastron that allows total shell closure.
Ecology and Conservation The Eastern Box Turtle is found almost exclusively on land, predominately in moderate to well-drained woodlands. Taxonomy Some scientists recognize multiple subspecies within the Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina , while others either elevate some of those subspecies to be recognized as distinct species.
Literature Cited Conant, R. There are, of course, some foods that should be strictly avoided, including:. Box Turtles have a widely varying diet in the wild, nibbling and tasting most things they come across.
As such, feeding them in captivity should consist of the same wide variety of fruit and vegetables, as this will give them a diet closest to their natural diet. Commercial food is great, but should always be substituted with fresh greens, fruits, vegetables, and animal proteins. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.
Skip to content. Nicole Cosgrove. Sep 29 Size: inches Weight: 1. If kept outdoors, they can graze on natural plants and insects that are found in their pen, in addition to the food you give them. They will be exposed to natural sunlight for their Vitamin D 3 production. Provide a den or burrow they can go into to get out of the rain and to protect them at night. In the winter, they will burrow underground and hibernate until the springtime temperatures warm the ground.
Temperatures in their indoor habitat should range from 70—90 degrees Fahrenheit 21—32 degrees Celsius to enable the turtle to regulate its temperature by moving between warmer and cooler areas. A 75—watt heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter is necessary to provide a basking area that is warmer than the rest of the container.
They need an ultraviolet light to produce Vitamin D 3 so they can absorb calcium from the diet. Box turtles are omnivores, eating both plant and animal tissues. They can also eat small quantities of green beans, Romaine lettuce, and fruits such as mulberries, blackberries, raspberries, and sliced apples. For the meaty meal, use crickets, mealworms, earthworms, slugs, or small amounts of low-fat canned dog food, Better still, there are prepared diets available in pet stores specifically for box turtles.
Box turtles enjoy soaking in water, so provide a water dish large enough for them to fit into but with low enough sides that they can easily climb into it. Change the water frequently to keep it clean.
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Although Indiana does have a few healthy populations, they are scattered. New developments, environmental changes, chemical pollution, captive breeding and possession all negatively impact the long-term survival of box turtles in Indiana. Displaced box turtles, either escaped or released, have a hard time surviving. Those that survive pose a threat to wild populations. Diseases occurring in captivity can spread rapidly in wild populations. When foreign turtles interbreed with wild turtles, genes are introduced that are less suitable for local conditions and weaken the box turtle population.
The long life expectancy of turtles makes having one as a pet a long-term responsibility. The keeper must care for it long after interest wanes. Unfortunately, most individuals do not consider the long-term care required for owning a turtle and turn them loose when they are no longer wanted. To ensure long-term survival, Eastern box turtle populations in Indiana cannot sustain additional losses.
DNR IN. Find an IN. The bottom of the shell plastron can be yellow, brown or black, or a combination. Males have red eyes; females usually have brown eyes. Box turtles have a sharp, horned beak. Box turtles have short-stubby legs and feet that are webbed at the base.
Other reasons why box turtles are regulated: Disease Displaced box turtles, either escaped or released, have a hard time surviving. Longevity The long life expectancy of turtles makes having one as a pet a long-term responsibility. Regulations that became law in do not allow the collection of box turtles from the wild in Indiana.
If you wish to collect one in another state, you must follow all rules and regulations of that state. Can I possess a box turtle as a pet? Only if you acquired it legally, such as from another state. What should I do if I already have a box turtle?
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