Turtle or tortoise? What is this?

[Talka]

My friend found this in her yard. What is it?

 

[Neal]

oooohhhh yay, I'm first to respond!!!!!!!

Eastern Box Turtle.

 

[Talka]

Awesome! Is the turtle safe in a garden? There is no pond and it was 97 degrees outside today.

 

[Neal]

I wouldn't want a box turtle in my garden, but I suppose it depends on what's in the garden. Any fruit or veggie might get nibbled at. It looks like there's carrots in there. I wouldn't worry about it eating the carrots too much, but it may dig around and expose or damage the carrots.

 

[Tom]

Awesome! Is the turtle safe in a garden? There is no pond and it was 97 degrees outside today.

Where are you? Where is this turtle?

It definitely needs shade, a shallow pool for soaking and lots of sprinkling to keep it cool in the heat.