Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just moved to Tannersville PA. I think just about everyday I see a new Box turtle on our property. For me this is very unusual. In NJ you could go years without coming across one in the wild. And that’s not all. On one day I found a box AND a wood! Is this unusual? Are they just very common in PA?

I've herped PA for over 20 years now. I have always seen many more Wood turtles than Box turtles. You can find hot spots, but Box turtles seem to be scarce overall in PA. You must live in a hot spot...guard that info. carefully. Congratulations! I'd love to see pictures...Box and Wood.

kensopher it's really weird. There's no water around here for Boxes to soak in or streams like the kind Wood turtles hang out near. What there is a LOT of here are wild berry bushes of every description. I found ANOTHER Box today a little female and she was eating wild strawberries. Maybe that's the draw to the area? Also... the turtles around here don't seem as skittish as the ones I used to come across in Jersey. They often just keep going about their business like I'm not even there until I get very close.

It sounds like a really great area! I'm fortunate enough to come from a spot in NJ that isn't much different from what you are describing...wild berries galore! Not only do the box turtles thrive on the berries, but the fruits attract insects that may become part of the box turtles' diets. You'll have to watch for nesting behavior. If you live in an area with dense woodlands and/or vegetation, the turtles often choose open yards in which to nest.

That is interesting to hear about how social they are. Perhaps there is a friendly "hand feeder" somewhere in your neighborhood. It wouldn't be the first.

I'm still hoping for pictures.

OK here’s a photo of one of the male Box turtles I found about 2 days ago.

Also, here’s a shot of one of the many berries that grow in the area. Maybe these are wild strawberries? I’m not sure . . .I’m not a plant expert. I think this is why the turtles are here!

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nice picture of male, yes that is a wild strawberry