Box Turtle in My Garden

LittleCrow

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Hendersonville, NC
There's a box turtle that has been under the leaves between my irises for four days (that I know of). We've given it raspberries, blackberries, worms and water. It's eating and drinking, but hasn't left it's spot. Is this normal behavior? We live in the woods (Smoky Mountains in NC) thus there's a lot of predators, so I'm nervous about something getting it. That being said, I am also unsure about moving it or why it's even staying there. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
 

Toddrickfl1

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My buddy lives in Bryson NC in the mountains and he's been seeing lots of box turtles out and about in his area lately.
 

Yvonne G

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There's a box turtle that has been under the leaves between my irises for four days (that I know of). We've given it raspberries, blackberries, worms and water. It's eating and drinking, but hasn't left it's spot. Is this normal behavior? We live in the woods (Smoky Mountains in NC) thus there's a lot of predators, so I'm nervous about something getting it. That being said, I am also unsure about moving it or why it's even staying there. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
If the turtle can move about freely, and leave your yard any time it wants to, I'd just count myself lucky that he has chosen your iris. What a thrill to be able to see native box turtles. As to why he doesn't move, I have no idea. Could he be moving away from that spot, then coming back when you're not looking?
 

Toddrickfl1

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I don't know if it's common but a few weeks ago my friend had one dig a nest in his yard. After it did it sat in the same spot a few feet away for a couple days before leaving.
 

dmmj

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If I found a nice safe spot where food appeared I wouldn't leave either.
 

Ray--Opo

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My parents lived in Maggie Valley NC in the smokies. When I visited I always enjoyed seeing the box turtles. I always wanted to take one back to Michigan. Never did but after being here on TFO. It is probably against the law.
They are amazing to be able to survive with all the critters in the mountains.
 

Maro2Bear

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Yep, if you are into turtles, just sit back and enjoy. Fresh food, safe environment, why move? I see no reason to call NC wildlife folks. You have a happy tort!
 

MPappagallo

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Myrtle Beach, SC
There's a box turtle that has been under the leaves between my irises for four days (that I know of). We've given it raspberries, blackberries, worms and water. It's eating and drinking, but hasn't left it's spot. Is this normal behavior? We live in the woods (Smoky Mountains in NC) thus there's a lot of predators, so I'm nervous about something getting it. That being said, I am also unsure about moving it or why it's even staying there. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
We have a couple of box turtles that live in the wooded part of our property. Sometimes they hang around the same spot for days...and sometimes they wander around through the woods and we won't see them for weeks. We just leave them alone and let them do as they please...but we enjoy watching them!
 

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Blessus

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Clarksburg, VA
There's a box turtle that has been under the leaves between my irises for four days (that I know of). We've given it raspberries, blackberries, worms and water. It's eating and drinking, but hasn't left it's spot. Is this normal behavior? We live in the woods (Smoky Mountains in NC) thus there's a lot of predators, so I'm nervous about something getting it. That being said, I am also unsure about moving it or why it's even staying there. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I have several box turtles first thing do you know if it's a male or female. Also around this time of year they start preparing to lay eggs and a garden has the perfect soil. Also as long as you continue to feed it it will remain there and eventually it will help itself to the goodies in your garden.
 

domalle

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Not a good idea to publish specific box turtle location data.
There are poachers and collectors ready and willing to swoop in and clean out entire populations.
I now know four towns across North and South Carolina that will be visited over the 4th of July weekend.
Great way to spend the holiday.
Not meant as a criticism but a caution.
Loose lips sink ships.
 

Toddrickfl1

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My parents lived in Maggie Valley NC in the smokies. When I visited I always enjoyed seeing the box turtles. I always wanted to take one back to Michigan. Never did but after being here on TFO. It is probably against the law.
They are amazing to be able to survive with all the critters in the mountains.
Love Maggie Valley. It's beautiful up there.
 

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