Reptile
Three-toed Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina triunguisAlso known as Missouri Box Turtle, Southern Box Turtle
High-domed olive or yellowish shells and three toes on the hind feet mark these slow-moving forest dwellers across the south-central United States. Highly terrestrial for turtles, adults spend mornings foraging along damp woodland edges for fallen fruit, earthworms, and wild fungi before soaking in shallow mud wallows on warm afternoons. Males often sport vibrant orange or crimson scales on their head and neck, along with red eyes, to signal readiness during spring courtship.
TerrestrialReptileLong-lived
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyEarthworms, Slugs, Wild Berries
Predators
- Raccoons
- Coyotes
- Striped Skunks
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, vehicular mortality, and wild collection for pet trade
HabitatsDeciduous forests, pine woodlands, damp thickets, pastures, and stream borders
Life span50–100 years
Classification
- FamilyEmydidae
- SpeciesTerrapene carolina triunguis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a high-domed yellowish to brownish carapace, muted pattern, and three clawed toes on each hind foot.
- Support conservation
- Observe wild turtles without picking them up; never collect individuals from native habitats to keep as pets.
Responsible observation
- Road Crossings: Move crossing turtles carefully across the pavement in the exact direction they were traveling.
- Home Territory: Leave wild individuals in their local woodland, as relocated turtles spend years attempting to wander home.
- Observation Distance: Watch quietly from a steps distance so the turtle feels safe enough to keep its hinged shell open.
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