Eastern box pics

Here are some pics of the Eastern Box turtle that spend the winter in my yard. I am amazed that the dogs didn't find her.
First pic is of her when she had first dug herself out, second is after I cleaned her up. Right now she is in a tank with fresh strawberries, a bit of greens and some crickets. I plan on releasing her in a state park this weekend.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...box4_11_08.jpg


https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...ern4_11_08.jpg

Looks like a male to me... lol

what a gorgeous animal!

glad he made it out of hibernation for another year :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

Looks like a male to me... lol

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Nope, it is definitly a female. And if the rings method is to be trusted, she is about 20 years old.

Thanks fishmommy- she is gorgeous, I really thought at first she was a he b/c of how bright she is.
The second pic is her wet too so that makes her a lot brighter looking than she is dry.
I will be sad to see her go.

What a stunning creature... Get lots of pics before it goes bye-bye! :)

I said a male just because of the color of the eyes. Males have the red eyes, but I dont know squat I guess.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

I said a male just because of the color of the eyes. Males have the red eyes, but I dont know squat I guess.

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The fist pic is deceiving a bit I guess, the flash made her eyes a redder than they are. IRL, they are much more brown. But you are correct on the males having red eyes.

Gorgeous! It must be hard to not keep her, but that would be mean/possibly illegal. So adorable.

Beautiful! Why do you want to release her at a state park? Why not where you found her?

Some animals do not do well after being moved. They can get disoriented. Some do not survive a move.

Catawhat, I hope you don't think I was being harsh by suggesting you return the turtle to the same place. Here is some information to support my recommendation:

"Important note - if you find a box turtle, please, please, please do not pick it up and take it home or release it elsewhere. I have become convinced of late that it is far more harmful to release a turtle to a new area in the wild than it is to leave it in place. For more info, see my page on "free & wild" turtles, or read the FAQ. If you have picked up a turtle, please return it to where you found it ASAP. Yes, even if the place is in the middle of a city. The best thing you can do for a turtle on the road is to move it to the side it was heading to - only if you can do so safely."
from: http://www.marietta.edu/~mcshaffd/boxt/boxt.html

More information from same website:
http://www.marietta.edu/~mcshaffd/boxt/boxfree.html

Other websites:
http://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/m.../whatyoudo.htm
http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/wildli.../boxturtle.pdf
http://www.fishpondinfo.com/turtles/boxinfo.htm
http://redcreekwildlifecenter.com/blog/?p=48

I am just trying to help. I do not intend to jump on your case. :hug: But from what I'm reading, you should return her where you found her as soon as possible.