Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone-
I found this little guy (or girl) swirling around in the skimmer of my pool and didn't think it was alive. Thank goodness it was because it's a cutie =) He or she is very dark with three little spines on its back that are orange-ish and little clawed feet. You can see the orange and black markings on its belly in this pic. This is in Columbus, GA.

Thanks

Here's another pic =)

You have an Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene c. carolina) hatchling.

This isn't direct identification, but does have to do with the turtle's identity - box turtles live on soil (not in water, as the young ones cannot swim) and eat small earthworms and other such invertebrates, should you decide to hang onto this animal for any length.

If you do decide to hold onto this turtle for any length of time, ESPECIALLY SINCE IT'S A HATCHLING, make sure it gets plenty of UV light and the proper diet. If not, it's shell can be severely damaged for the entirety of it's life. It would be best if you released it back in the wild.

"It would be best if you released it back in the wild."

agreed. they're getting so rare in the wild, even though there are plenty of people who breed them.
but should you decide to keep it, checking you local laws might be a good idea, eastern box turtles are protected and in most(if not all) of it's range requires a permit though the amount of boxies you can keep without a permit varies.
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My Site
1.2.1 Terrapene Carolina Triunguis
0.1 Nymphicus hollandicus
1.1 Melopsittacus undulatus
1.0 American Cocker Spaniels
1.0 American Short Hair? Cat
1.1 Rouen Ducks

box turtle, great rescue cause they aren't really swimmers