Yeah, your estimate of 300 miles is probably closer.

The reason that I asked specifically about Salibury is that I have a friend from there that had a Wood turtle escape 5 to 10 years ago.

The turtle you found was most likely an escaped or released pet. I know of at least 4 people in the Raleigh area that keep NA Woods outdoors. They are a common pet turtle, and escapes are also common.

I have been in pristine, cool mountain stream areas of Western NC that looked very much like my original Woodie herping grounds in PA and have said aloud to myself, "How could there not be Wood turtles still here?" Historically, their range extended to Florida...based on fossil records. The climate in much of Western NC is not very different from areas where they are found in VA and WV. While this is something I wish for more than I can express...they just aren't there. The herpetofauna in NC is very well studied, so finding a relict animal or hidden population borders on a miracle. This is especially true of the Raleigh area.

I highly recommend Wood turtles as pets. There are tons of cb Woodies available, and they reach adult size relatively quickly. They can be kept outdoors in the Raleigh area year round in the proper habitat. Although, a colder brumation temperature(in a fridge) may increase breeding success. Good luck if you get some. You couldn't really ask for a better captive.

Some juvies...

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