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Sunday, November 9: Franklin Park Zoo will open at noon due to the Boston Half Marathon taking place that morning. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you in the afternoon!

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Eastern Box Turtle

Terrapene carolina

  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle
  • eastern box turtle

About the Eastern Box Turtle

conservation status: vulnerable

Geographic Range:

range map

Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Terrapene
Species: carolina

The six subspecies of box turtles have varied shell shapes, patterns and colorations. They have two unifying characteristics: their ability to completely close their shell (concealing and protecting their heads and all appendages) and their two-layered, high-domed carapace, or upper shell. Box turtles have a strong homing instinct and will try to find their way back if removed from their territory for any reason.