Tennessee wildlife
Eastern box turtle
Terrapene carolina carolina
Known for its domed shell and hinged plastron
See the Eastern box turtle up close
Best months
May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
Best seen on warm, humid mornings after rain; check park visitor centers for recent sightings and official reports.
Where to look
Cherokee National ForestBig South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Conservation status
Common but declining due to habitat loss and road mortality
Good to know
What do eastern box turtles eat?
They are omnivorous, eating insects, worms, berries, and mushrooms.
How long do eastern box turtles live?
They can live over 50 years in the wild, but many do not reach that age due to habitat loss and road mortality.
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