Curious about tortoise behavior

[CaSondra]

So, I am obsessed with turtles/tortoises. I have a little *girl* three toed box turtle that I have had about 2 years, she is about 3-4 years old. Well, my birthday is tomorrow and my kids always give me something turtle for my birthday, Christmas, etc. My son decided to bring me a real turtle that he found. I am more leaning towards turning it back out, but in the little while that I have had "her"(I'm guessing it's a her) she is showing behavior I have never seen in a tortoise and my curiosity is getting the better of me. She stretches her neck backwards, almost as if she is trying to bite me, but her mouth doesn't open. I first noticed when I was bathing her as soon as I got her. I use a toothbrush for shower time with my little one, so I used a toothbrush for her (not the same toothbrush). When I scrubbed her "belly" and "back" she stretched her neck back. She does it if I just pick her up. Is this a sign of aggressive behavior? Or is she just saying "look at my pretty spots"?

 

[wellington]

Not really sure. But it needs to go back to the place your son found it. They should not be taken from the wild unless injured. It may actually be against your laws of your state to take from the wild.

 

[eric joranson]

most likely it is a predator avoidance behavior. They will bite hoping that what ever has grabbed them will drop them.

 

[Yvonne G]

Most female box turtles will do this when picked up or handled. It is quite normal.

But native box turtles should never be taken from the wild. Try to find out if this is native to your location, and if so, tell your son how much you appreciate the thoughtful present, but box turtles, or any turtle or tortoise, should never be taken from the wild. It lessens the gene pool, and they are getting scarce enough as it is.

Box turtles are territorial, so be sure she's placed back where she was found.

Many rescues have turtles and tortoises up for adoption. Do a Google search for turtle and tortoise rescues in your area and see if they have something for you to adopt.

 

[ColleenT]

just an FYI- Box turtles are not tortoises. i had thought they were too. But they are turtles and enjoy the water.

 

[Greta16]

In my neck of the woods box turtles are endangered.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

just an FYI- Box turtles are not tortoises. i had thought they were too. But they are turtles and enjoy the water.

All tortoises are turtles,
But not all turtles are tortoises.

All wolves are canines,
But not all canines are wolves.

 

[Loohan]

I have picked up many boxies in my time, but i have never seen such behavior.

 

[lisa127]

It's normal behavior when not happy with the handling. This turtle should be released, but only in the area it was taken from.

 

[144 Grandpa Turtle]