Saved this lil turt from roadkill the other day!

The eastern box turtle gets its name because it has a hinge on its plastron (underside of shell) that allows it to completely close off its head and legs to predators.

It is quite effective as you can see in pictures 2 (front end) & 3 (rear end) and as a result, adult box turtles have very few predators.

However, these turtles are listed as a vulnerable species and are declining because of habitat destruction and vehicle collisions. Below are some easy ways you can help save this species and others like it!

1. Reduce, reuse, and recycle = keep trash out of turtle habitat!
2. Help with a local stream/lake/ocean cleanup or organize one yourself
3. Follow posted speed limits while driving and continually scan your surroundings for wildlife
4. Spread the word, raising awareness is always the first step in species conservation!

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