These are some beautifully designed box turtles!
I am amazed at the number of species of animals that were also native to Wisconsin, but had such reduced numbers that they were considered endangered, threatened, or protected there, that can be found in abundance in the Ozarks. I'd rather be able to pick up and look at an animal freely, without having it be illegal, so I certainly appreciate it.
As the photo above can testify to, these turtles can move rather quickly when they want to. (Just look at how its legs are a blur!) The Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata) is one of the common species of box turtles here. The Three Toed Box Turtle can also be found in abundance here. Unfortunately, though raccoons, possums, and coyotes pose natural threats to these beautiful creatures, I think that vehicles running them over on the road may be their primary cause of death. For more info, check out my video.
The information is the video is original but I did have a quick refresher from this source.
THE WILD-MAN'S WILD FRIENDS - EPISODE 22
ORNATE BOX TURTLE
If you enjoyed this video, please consider thanking @thelivingpoet for encouraging me to make it!
As always, I'm @papa-pepper and here's the proof:
proof-of-wild-friend-ornate-box-turtle
Until next time…
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