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reptile · turtle
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina carolina — Emydidae
4.5–7 inches Males typically larger than females
IUCN
Vulnerable
Federal (US)
None
Virginia
None
VWAP Tier
Tier IVb
Habitat
Found in Virginia
How to identify
- High domed carapace, brown or black with yellow or orange markings
- Hinged plastron that closes completely
- No webbing between toes
- Males often have red or orange eyes; females typically brown
About this species
Virginia's most recognizable land turtle, the eastern box turtle has a highly domed shell that can close completely — a unique trait among North American turtles. They are long-lived, slow to mature, and deeply tied to their home territory. Adults are highly variable in color but typically show yellow or orange markings on a dark brown or black shell.
Often confused with
common snapping turtle
Snapping turtles are much larger, fully aquatic, and have a long saw-toothed tail; box turtles are terrestrial with a hinged plastron
Did you know
"Eastern box turtles can live over 100 years and spend their entire lives within a home range smaller than a few acres."
SERC rehabilitation notes Primary SERC intake species. Hatchlings are difficult to raise; head-starting program targets this species. Road mortality and habitat loss are primary threats in the Hampton Roads area.
Sightings & citizen science
Help document Virginia wildlife by logging your sightings on iNaturalist. Every observation builds the conservation data that researchers and rehabbers depend on.
View Eastern Box Turtle observations on iNaturalist ↗Found one injured?
If you've found an injured or displaced Eastern Box Turtle in Virginia, our triage guide walks you through what to do.