Eastern Box Turtle

2004

These turtles like to come out after storms, as they prefer the moisture. They'll generally lie under the leaves, soil, and debris on the forest floor until they emerge to feed.

Unfortunately, the population of these turtles has declined in the Northeast, and they're quite popular in the pet trade. (Overcollection) This is the first time in years that I've actually seen one.

So, yeah. I'm happy!

(I'm holding the turtle up in this photo.)