Kaleideum has a box turtle named Terra. You may see box turtles in your yard or along the side of the road. These interesting creatures can also be pets. Here are five fun facts about box turtles and some additional questions in parentheses that you can research at home.

  1. Turtles are reptiles. They belong to the same scientific class, Reptilia, as crocodiles, alligators, and lizards. (Name three more animals that belong in this scientific class.)
  2. There are four species and 13 subspecies of box turtle native to North America, including Mexico. Box turtles are classified into two groups: common box turtles and ornate box turtles. (What are some of the differences between common box turtles and ornate box turtles?)
  3. In the wild, box turtles are sometimes the prey of animals, such as raccoons. (How does a box turtle defend itself from predators?)
  4. Box turtles are omnivores. They eat both insects and plant matter. (What sorts of insects make a good meal for a box turtle in the wild?)
  5. Box turtles have a deep connection to the location where they were born. (Should you ever relocate a wild box turtle?)