I encountered this Woodland Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) last Friday on a paved road at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The brown color of the eyes suggests that this is a female—males generally have red eyes. However, according to the Virginia Herpetological Society, “The color of the iris is sometimes considered indicative of a turtle’s sex, but it is not always reliable.”
The turtle was quite small, about the size of the palm of my hand. I normally try not to disturb wildlife, but I worried that this turtle might be hit by a car, so I picked it up and moved it off of the surface of the road. I was concerned that its claws might scratch me, but the turtle drew in all of its legs and its head as soon as I lifted it.
Hopefully this turtle will live to a ripe old age, but it definitely needs to stay out of traffic, according to the Virginia Herpetological Society, “Box turtles are notorious for living as long, or longer, than humans. An adult male with the date 1874 carved in its plastron was found in Rockingham County in August 1985 (Daily News Record, Harrisonburg), indicating an age of >111 years. It is difficult to confirm such sightings, however.” Yikes!
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Intersting story of a turtle. Thank you for sharing!
What a charming portrait and I really like the way the warm tones of the turtle contrast with the cold grey of the asphalt. I am sure this turtle was grateful for being relocated.
Gorgeous 👏
Thanks, Robert.
Great shot of, at least for me, a very elusive turtle. I’d love to see one but they are relatively rare here and I only have seen one about 50 years ago.
Wow, Steve, I had no idea they are so rare there. I tend to see one most years, but they are far from common here.
Lovely
Namaste, Mr. Mike! I hope that you remember me cause it’s been a long time since we talked on your blog. Gem saved this for me cause I love turtles. I love lots of bugs and critters too. I just wanted to say that this photo is terrific and you are a hero for saving her. Bye and thank you! Benjamin.
Wow. One of my friends asked me about you recently and I noted that I had not been in touch with you in quite some time. I recall receiving holiday pictures of you from time to time. Thanks so much for you wonderful comment. I am hoping that the turtle was able to make its way safely and was glad that I could help it by safely crossing the road.
What a cutie! I imagine it was enjoying a sunbath on that warm surface. I hope it got back to safety!!