That Unique little Rascal-The Eastern Box Turtle

    This turtle has a very solid and rigid upper shell, called the "Carapace" and a hinged lower shell called the "Plastron". Being very gentle and not having any fighting capabilities it's only line of defense to protect itself is to pull in its head, neck, feet, and legs, and shut its lower shell tight to the upper shell. Somewhat like shutting the door of a concrete bunker or door to a safe. Nothing gets in or out unless you have the combination or key.

Read on for the rest of the story!

    It's interesting to note that the turtle maintains a body temperature of 60 degrees F. Its shell helps regulate the temperature with the addition of ‘heading for the barn' when the sun's too hot. It's called thermoregulation.

    When seen basking in the sun, there is a reason for this behavior. The sun's heat will help dislodge any parasites or leeches that may have been picked up during its progress through swamps, grasses, and moist areas. Also, the sun helps kill fungus or heal any cuts it may have.

(Well, you have to admit it beats going to a turtle doctor.)

    Have you ever wondered how to determine the male from the female? It's very simple. If one lays an egg you have a girl. (Gotcha, didn't I?) If another turtle wanders by, measure the tail. The one with the longest is the male. I forgot, they shut themselves up in their shell, so this method may be very, very difficult unless your hand is quicker than the eye. The female's lower shell (plastron) curves outward and the male's curves inward. Of course, this requires the picking up of the turtle, turning it over, and possibly feeling the shell to determine if the curve is in or out. If all else fails, learn how to speak turtle and ask one of them, very politely of course.

    Young box turtles are carnivorous and as the turtle matures it eats leaves, moss, mushrooms, grasses, berries, and grains. Water is very essential to the turtle; if they don't have enough they will suffer. If you ever see one spitting cotton, it's probably headed toward some cool water. These turtles love to eat toadstools, and many of them are poisonous. Need I say anything more! Don't eat these eaters of poison because the poison is taken into their flesh and could make you one sick cookie.Here's a chilly tale. If they do not hibernate during the cold winter months, they could possibly die. Terrapene carolina--defunct!

    PS: There is a key to opening their shell. After they eat for a couple of hours and their belly is full, they seem to lose their strength and the shell may be pried open by any predator.

"Aw shucks! I ate too much"        "Me too!"

Now, you know the rest of the story!