NEWS-LEADER (Sprinbgfield, Missouri) 10 January 07 Three-toed box turtle creeps toward state reptile status (Tracy Swartz)
Jefferson City: Get ready to see more of the three-toed box turtle.
The reptile, a popular resident of the Ozarks, is one of two species of box turtle that call Missouri home.
Now the three-toed turtle will have to find its way to Jefferson City, where a Republic lawmaker is proposing it become the official state reptile.
"I imagine you'll see a three-toed box turtle in the committee hearings," said State Rep. Jim Viebrock, R-Republic.
The turtle's quest to state stardom began in a science class in the Republic area, Viebrock said.
Steve Johnson wanted to teach his students about the legislative process. Now they will likely be part of the process — Viebrock expects the students will come to Jefferson City to testify to lawmakers about the importance of elevating the turtle to an official status.
But don't expect the turtle to appear in the House or Senate chamber.
"We're not allowed by rules to have props on the floor," Viebrock said.
Most states don't have a state reptile. The ornate box turtle has been Kansas' state reptile for 20 years. The ornate box turtle is Missouri's other species of box turtle.
Hundreds of box turtles are killed on Missouri highways each year, according to the state Department of Conservation. Many of these turtles also die because visitors to the Ozarks take them home as souvenirs.
Three-toed box turtle creeps toward state reptile status