BOX TURTLES NEED YOUR HELP! Know the new laws!

1. What is an eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina)? Description The eastern box turtle is considered a “land” or terrestrial turtle. It has a large domed shell that varies in color from orange to yellow with an olive to brown background. The top of the shell exhibits a repeated brightly colored palmate or “blotchy” pattern on a drab background. The body of the box turtle can be withdrawn completely into its shell. Male box turtles commonly have red eyes and a concave area on the bottom of their shell. Females typically have brown eyes and a higher domed shell without a concavity.

Ah Spring! It doesn’t take much of an expert to notice that this is the busiest time for nature. Birds and mammals are very active at this time of year, and a little bit of information can help prevent one of the most common problems that wildlife faces. Perhaps the most persistent myth anywhere is the one that human scent will cause wild animals to abandon their young. Absolutely not true! Though this legend was probably started to keep people from handling animals, it is the largest reason why people bring baby animals and birds to wildlife rehabilitators.

Education

"Healing the broken bond between our young and nature is in our self-interest, not only because aesthetics or justice demand it, but also because our mental, physical, and spiritual health depend upon it."
—from "Last Child in the Woods," Algonquin Books

Why do we do wildlife education?  At UTOPIA we feel that educating the public about the presence and needs of wildlife is one of the most important services we offer.