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HERPETOLOGICAL
INVENTORY
OF
THE
SOUTHEASTERN
COASTAL NATIONAL PARKS
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Herp
Highlights |
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Box turtles are common residents of the woods in the southeastern U.S. They are often encountered after rains, walking slowly across the forest floor. Males usually have red eyes and a concave plastron (bottom part of the shell). Females have brown eyes and a flat plastron. Box turtles are true omnivores, feeding on a variety of plants and small animals. Their trademark is a hinge on the front part of the plastron allowing the turtle to close up very tightly. This feature provides great protection from raccoons, foxes and other predators. Box turtles are extremely long-lived and some individuals may live for 50 years or more! | |||||||
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Comments or questions regarding this web site, contact Michael E. Dorcas |
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