Identification

[JHoward]

Does anyone know what kind of tortoise this is? It was found in Virginia.

 

[Abdulla6169]

Look like a box turtle... Where did you find it?

 

[Jacqui]

The pictures weren't very bright for me, but from what I can see it is a male Eastern box turtle

 

[Yvonne G]

Jacqui beat me to it. That's what I was going to say too. Terrapene carolina carolina.

 

[Jabuticaba]

Are box turtles native to your area? If so, you might want to check your local laws and put it back.


May
THBs: Darwin & Merlin
Aussies: Dax, Vegas, & Cricket
IG: @AUSSOMEAUSSIES

 

[JHoward]

I'm in northern Virginia. Box turtles are native here, but he doesn't have a hinged shell like I'm used to seeing in box turtles.

 

[JHoward]

His shell also isn't nearly as highly domed as I'm used to seeing in box turtles.

 

[Jabuticaba]

I'm in northern Virginia. Box turtles are native here, but he doesn't have a hinged shell like I'm used to seeing in box turtles.

Looks like it's one of the many native species: http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/turtles/turtles_of_virginia.htm#_



May
THBs: Darwin & Merlin
Aussies: Dax, Vegas, & Cricket
IG: @AUSSOMEAUSSIES

 

[Magilla504]

I checked and in va it's against the law to keep it. I live in northern va so I had the same question a while back about housing them

 

[diamondbp]

its a male eastern box turtle

 

[lutinorob]

eastern box turtle

 

[JHoward]

Great. Thanks everyone. I will pass this on and let them know they just need to let it go.

 

[Lyles]

Make sure he is also released where he was found, else he could end up as roadkill trying to make it back to his territory.

 

[JHoward]

I released him close to where I was told he was found, which was pretty close to the vet clinic I work at.

 

[johnsonnboswell]

I released him close to where I was told he was found, which was pretty close to the vet clinic I work at.

Good! Countless numbers in future generations are lost with each animal removed from the wild breeding population. I'm so glad this boxie's gone home.