Ornate Box Turtle

The Ornate Box Turtle is a small, land-dwelling turtle known for its distinctive, colorful shell with intricate yellow or orange patterns on a dark background. Native to parts of the southeastern United States, it has a domed shell that can close tightly, providing protection from predators. This turtle prefers moist environments like forest floors and wetland areas. It feeds on insects, worms, and plants. Due to habitat loss and its popularity in the pet trade, the Ornate Box Turtle is considered near-threatened, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to ensure its survival.