Box turtles are something of an institution in Louisiana, where many locals have stories about coming across these charming and mysterious creatures.
Table of Contents
Types of box turtles in Louisiana
- The Three-Toed Box Turtle and
- Gulf Coast Box Turtle
Both species can usually be found near ponds and forests, searching for food and making a home out of the warm southern climate.
Habitat
Box turtles are a species of turtle native to Louisiana and other states in the southern United States. Box turtles in Louisiana, typically live in wetlands and forested areas, preferring habitats with high levels of moisture like swamps and marshes. They can also be found in grasslands, deciduous forests, tilled fields, suburban yards, and even urban environments. These creatures can adapt to many different habitats due to their ability to close their shells tightly when they feel threatened or need protection from unfavourable conditions.
Living near water sources is important for Box turtles as they need them for drinking water, enjoying baths, and laying their eggs during their short breeding season. Because of this need for moist habitats, development along rivers and streams often puts pressure on the fragile population of Box Turtles throughout the region.
Diet
The dietary needs of box turtles can vary greatly depending on their location and individual species. Generally, box turtles are omnivores that enjoy a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, dead insects, and earthworms. In the wild, most box turtle diet consists of leafy green plants like clover, and dandelion greens and other wild vegetation such as mushrooms.
Wild box turtles may also eat caterpillars and butterflies as well as fish and frogs found in shallow ponds or streams. Captive box turtles living in areas with warmer climates will gain additional nourishment from a varied diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, small pieces of cooked meat, and boiled eggs as well as commercial turtle diets.
Colour
In Louisiana, the most common colour of box turtles is brownish grey with yellow stripes or spots along their carapaces. While not particularly bright or flashy in appearance, these colours help them blend into the environment and hide from predators.
Size, Lifespan and Weight
Box turtles are relatively small reptiles, with a lifespan of around 50 years. The daily size and weight vary between species of box turtles, as they can range from 4” to 8” in length and 2-6 pounds in weight. The larger species require more space and bigger enclosures that mimic their natural environment and allow them to grow properly.
Predators
Box turtles can live in many habitats, so they have quite a few predators prowling the areas nearby looking for them. These include raccoons, skunks, foxes, snakes and hawks. Though box turtles are able to defend themselves by retreating into their shells, it is ultimately no match for any of these animals that are intent on making a meal from this small delicacy. It is up to us humans to safeguard box turtles from becoming prey and take care when interacting with them and their habitats.
Reproduction
Box turtles are fascinating creatures and their reproductive cycle is particularly interesting. Females will often lay several clutches of eggs per season, laying as many as six to eight eggs in each clutch. For terrestrial species, the embryos undergo dormant periods during the winter months in colder climates, allowing them adequate time to fertilize and develop. Females will often breed every two or three years, but certain conditions such as adverse weather can stop reproduction for a season or longer.
Costs associated with reproduction are fairly minimal since males do not actively participate in incubation or rearing, though they will provide paternal protection when nearby. The eggs can take anywhere from two to eighteen months to hatch and the mother will usually stay close by until they have all hatched; once the baby turtles emerge they are on their own immediately and must fend for themselves in the wild.
Are box turtles endangered in Louisiana?
Yes, they are classified as endangered in Louisiana
Can you keep box turtles in Louisiana?
As per Louisiana state laws, it’s not allowed to keep the Wild Box Turtles”. Instead, farm-raised Turtles can be used as a pet.
A motivated philosophy graduate and student of wildlife conservation with a deep interest in human-wildlife relationships, including wildlife communication, environmental education, and conservation anthropology. Offers strong interpersonal, research, writing, and creativity skills.
