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

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.

 

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.

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. 

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.