Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina carolina

The Eastern Box Turtle is a subspecies of the Common Box Turtle and is native to much of the eastern USA. Box turtles are named because they are able to open and tightly close the front and back sections of their domed shell. The short tail shows that she is female (males have longer tails). The gaping is usually a sign of (temporary) over-heating or dehydration rather than vocalising.

Some (not shown) have attractively-patterned shells. Although called a "turtle" (American English) and liking occasional shallow water, it is mainly terrestrial. The population is classed as vulnerable.