Previously I have seen turtles only in the water or sunning themselves on logs, but this weekend I encountered this cool-looking turtle, which I have identified as an Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina), while I was walking through the woods.
As I was searching to identify the turtle, I came across all kind of interesting factoids, like the box turtle’s ability to close itself up entirely in its shell and its normal lifespan of 25-30 years. The Eastern Box Turtle is so popular that, according to Wikipedia, it is is the official state reptile of North Carolina and Tennessee.
As for me, I am particularly attracted to its eyes, which somehow remind me of those of Yoda, the Star Wars character.
Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
Beautifully crisp and clear, Mike. They seem to wear such a startled expression!
Thanks, Gary. This was a case when I had the time to set up the tripod and focus as carefully as I could (he didn’t seem to be going anywhere). This was the first box turtle that I had ever seen and was really happy when I almost literally stumbled upon him.