I spotted this little box turtle in the grass the other morning, but thank goodness Duke didn't. The turtles look like rocks to him, then they walk away. They are snooty till he catches them, then they hiss at him, creating offense.

The turtles and armadillos are migrating in their mobile homes this time of year and the highway traffic is really hard on them. Harder on them than Duke. I don't welcome armadillos to the yard, but tolerate the turtles. They get a few nibbles out of the garden, but I'm sure eat enough bugs -- the ox is worthy of his hire.

The early morning sun was warm, but not hot. The turtle was snoozing because I had time to take Duke to the house, put out his fresh water, grab the camera and get back to the turtle for several pictures before he opened his eyes and closed his shell. I guess someone has to be the KOA for turtles. JudyAnn Lorenz, PREVAI don't think Realtors will get this baby to buy a house. There's not much real estate commentary, but I knew the GREEN people wouldn't be able to resist a turtle.

 

8 Comments on Mansfield, Missouri - Nature's Mobile Homes -- Traveling Across the Ozarks

MAY
17
2007
200,964 Points 57 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
That is so cute.  I actually stop and get turtles out of the street on busy roads.  My husband thought I was crazy the first time I did it.  Now he keeps his eyes out for them. 
6:59pm • #1
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What a great picture JudyAnn! I was trying to get one the other day of a baby rabbit that eluded me because I was using my camera phone and had a phone call from my son just as I was clicking. The baby rabbit decided I might be a threat and took off - of course rabbits are faster than turtles so I missed the shot.

 Does the tortise and the hare come to mind!! You were much luckier than me! Good post!
10:16pm • #2
MAY
18
2007
2 Featured Posts

Stephanie The wildlife people encourage drivers in Missouri to avoid the turtles on the roads if at all possible.  They are 'driven' to migrate this time of year.

 
9:11am • #3
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Mary -- I was surprised to find him in the same place when I went back outside and even more that he sat there while I took pictures.  As I got closer, while I am not an expert on turtle eyes, I'm sure his were closed and that he was dozing.
9:12am • #4
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Wow, that's great!  I feel bad for the turtles.  Not like a squirrel that can dash out of the way. 
9:13am • #5
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The wildlife person I listened to during a local radio interview  www.kkoz.com  recommended safety first, of course, but if the turtle could be avoided, they are protected.  Snapping turtles are subject to a hunting season, but the box turtles are free spirits.  There are a couple different kinds.  I don't know much about them, but the ones in our yard have a hinged bottom.  When they 'batten down the hatches', the shell looks pretty water tight to me. 
1:01pm • #6
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JudyAnn~

You are right...I couldn't resist your tale of turtles...often they are the unhappy victims of the developer's grand and careless sweeps. If only we/they could take the time you did this morning to notice and appreciate them!
11:05pm • #7
MAY
23
2007
2 Featured Posts

My 12 yr old grandson is an excellent resource for box turtle information and character.  Several years ago he bought a water turtle at a pet shop.  Shellie thrives under his and his sister's care.  On a bike ride with his dad, they found a little turtle about the size of a walnut which they thought was a snapping turtle, but decided to rescue from certain smashing on the trail.  When the little turtle got ahold of his sister's finger (she is an adventerous princess) they were sure of the snapping part.  But, as "Chomper" grew, they've learned it is a box turtle.  They do not live with the salamander, but have their own digs with minnows for treats. 

This fall, the family plans to spend a few months at a mission in Mexico and the reptiles will stay with a Wyoming cousin.

I just have plenty of free-range turtles and tortoises.  They catch a few things in the garden and because "the ox is worthy of his hire", I don't mind a nibble on a melon now and then.

 
1:25pm • #8


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JudyAnn Lorenz, Virtual Assistant

Mansfield, MO

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