Oklahoma wildlife
Ornate box turtle
Terrapene ornata
Small, brightly marked box turtle of Great Plains grasslands.
See the Ornate box turtle up close
Best months
Apr · May · Jun · Jul
Look in open prairie after spring rains; check iNaturalist for recent sightings.
Where to look
Black Kettle National GrasslandWichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Conservation status
Generally common but declining due to habitat loss
Good to know
Can I find them in winter?
No, they hibernate underground from fall to spring.
Are they protected in Oklahoma?
Yes, it is illegal to collect or harass them without a permit.
Make it a trip
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