Mon 15 Sep 2008
LWC Podcast – Episode 8: Eastern Box Turtles
Posted by Nicole under Habitat, Loudoun Wildlife, Podcasts
[5] Comments
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In this episode we talk all about Eastern Box Turtles and answer that question …. why did the turtle cross the road? Box Turtles are great wild neighbors with every encounter being a special one. Their populations are in serious decline however, so it’s up to us to help them.
The photo above is of a male Eastern Box turtle that has been sighted a few times in our yard – the first time being seven years ago.
To listen to this episode, click the play button at the top of this post and it will play now or Right Click Here to Download (select “Save as Target”).
5 Responses to “ LWC Podcast – Episode 8: Eastern Box Turtles ”
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A box turtle traversed our back yard just last week. (Eastern Loudoun county) I picked a few apples and placed them on the other side of our fence to encourage him to the safer grounds of creek and meadows. Dogs and kids do not make good yardmates for traveling turtles.
Another excellent podcast. I am so glad that you are doing these. From my research into box turtle information I have learned that some females also have red eyes. But generally the red eyes are on males but not exclusively. Also I wonder if your #2 turtle was once a race turtle. I wasn’t clear on how large the number was or if there were other numbers. Turtle racing does still occur and it encourages folks to take them from the wild and then after the races they are often just dumped back into the closest woodland. We should really try to ban the practice of turtle racing. Thanks so much for bringing attention to these remarkable creatures.
My dog found a box turtle in our back yard. I thought maybe the rain might have washed it into our yard due to we live near a shallow creek. So I took it back into the woods so it can find its way home. Two weeks later the turtle is back in the same spot and yet again discovered by our dog. What should I do, I don’t want it to come back and my dog try eating it or something.
Hi Evelyn, Box turtles have a very small home range so it has likely been living with you for quite a long time
It was likely out on it’s usual patrol in search of a mate. I’ve noticed the box turtles in our yard/area take the same path each year. Definitely discourage your dog from picking it up or harming it. Box turtles are very determined to head in the direction that they want to, so next time you see it, notice which direction it’s heading and put it out of harms way further down that direction. It warms my heart to hear of box turtles living amongst us! I haven’t seen our yet this year but am hopeful that they’ll show themselves soon 
All my best!