Look at this sweet face. Would you do anything to harm it?
Lately, we've been getting several telephone calls at the nature center about box turtles. It's the summer season, it's hot, and the brightly patterned reptiles are out and about.
They are not lost! They are just a bit more active when it's warm. Nesting season should be over but there could even be a little of that spreading the old gene pool around going on out there.
In the state of Tennessee all reptiles are protected. You cannot bring them indoors and turn them into pets. Box turtles can live 130 years or more and that is quite a commitment. Don’t take away their freedom. Would you want to spend the next 100 years inside a cramped glass enclosure?
To quote one of my readers, "Wild box turtles often die in captivity because their needs—dietary and environmental—are not being met. This can even take a couple of years, and the decline may not be obvious." You would be sentencing them to a slow death.
I've also heard reports of box turtles that look sick, with growths or abscesses. If you find a sick-looking turtle take it to The University of Tennessee Veterinary Hospital on Neyland Drive. They are the experts. Please, don't try to treat it yourself.
(This post was prompted by a woman I talked to who felt strongly that she could cure a sick box turtle and keep it despite my telling her she could and should do neither.)
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3 comments:
Excellent post!
Box turtles are in decline in most areas, and taking even one from a wild population can have a devastating impact, since they mature slowly and a female will only produce a few viable offspring over a lifespan. There are strict regulations (and sometimes absolute prohibitions) regarding keeping wild turtles in many states.
Wild box turtles often die in captivity because their needs - dietary and environmental - are not being met. This can even take a couple of years, and the decline may not be obvious. Caring for a sick turtle is even more difficult, and is best left to an experienced Wildlife Rehabilitator or Veterinarian.
Hello Anonymous.
Thank you.
I actually pulled part of your comment and added it to the post for more to see.
Good info. I have a box turtle neighbor, or two, that I see from time to time. Late last week I was coming into my driveway and drove into the grass to give plenty of room to a box turtle crossing on the other side. I walked back to visit for a minute and take a few images though the light was very low. Then happily watched him go his merry way. Love the image you captured.
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