🐢 The Eastern Box Turtle 🐢
You don’t have to go far to meet a slow-moving, shelled friend—the Eastern Box Turtle! These cool creatures live in forests, backyards, fields, and even near streams. They’re named “box” turtles because they can close up their shells tightly like a little box when they feel scared.
Eastern Box Turtles are reptiles, which means they’re cold-blooded and have scaly skin. They love warm weather, rainstorms, and snacking on worms, mushrooms, berries, and bugs. You might spot one walking slowly through the grass or hiding under leaves.
Turtles are an important part of nature. They help spread seeds, clean up old plants and animals, and even show us if an environment is healthy. Watching and protecting turtles helps take care of the whole ecosystem!
Interesting Eastern Box Turtle Facts
Every turtle you see is part of nature’s team. When we take time to learn about turtles, we understand more about how to keep the planet safe and healthy.
Helping a Turtle Cross The Road
Sometimes turtles try to cross roads to find food, a mate, or a safe place to lay their eggs. But roads can be very dangerous for slow-moving turtles. If you see a turtle crossing the road, you can help—carefully! With an adult, check to make sure it's safe from traffic before approaching. Always move the turtle in the same direction it was already going—even if that means it's heading away from water. If you turn it around, it will just try to cross again!
Gently pick up the turtle by holding both sides of its shell, behind the front legs. Keep it low to the ground in case it wiggles—box turtles can be squirmy! Never pick a turtle up by the tail, and avoid moving large snapping turtles unless you're with an expert. After helping the turtle, give it space and let it continue its journey. Every turtle you help safely cross a road could live for many more years in the wild!
And if you see a box turtle in the wild, leave it be.
Color It Wild
Get creative and color your own turtle shell design! Ask an adult to help you print the page. Try making a bright pattern or using real turtle colors like orange, yellow, and brown.
Share Your Creation!
Do you want to share your masterpiece with others? With you're parents help you can send us a photo of your art and we will add it to our Kids Corner Art Gallery!
Get Creative!
Get ready to create your own turtle art out of cardboard and dry beans!
As you work, think about the shapes and patterns that make turtles special, from their tough shells to their flipper-like legs. When you're done, share your artwork to inspire others to learn more about these fascinating animals—and why it’s important to protect them!
Share Your Creation!
Do you want to share your masterpiece with others? With you're parents help you can send us a photo of your art and we will add it to our Kids Corner Art Gallery!
