State Prints - Tn Treasures Too Box Turtle

The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) became the "Official Reptile" of Tennessee in
(1995). This peaceful creature can reach a length of eight inches, but usually reaches a length of less
than six inches and has a shell of black or brown with spots of yellow, orange and red. This reptile
usually lives between thirty to sixty years and never ventures far from its place of birth.

Eastern box turtles hibernate in late October or early November by burrowing into loose soil or
the bottom of a pond. Eastern box turtles are diurnal. During the day they forage for food, search
for mates, and explore their territory. At night, they rest in shallow burrows that they scoop out at
dusk. Box turtles are unable to tolerate high temperatures and in the summer are most active in the
morning or after periods of rain. During the midday, box turtles become less active and seek shade.
They can survive long periods of drought by burying into logs or mud. During the cooler
temperatures of spring and fall, box turtles are more active. At these times, they can be found
moving around their territory at any daytime hour.