Habitat:
Moist forests, meadows and wetlands

Activity period :
Active during the day when temperatures are favorable, often seen basking in the sun.

Identification and description:
The Eastern box turtle is a small terrestrial turtle (10–15 cm shell length) with a high-domed carapace marked by radiating yellow and orange patterns on an olive-brown background. Endemic to eastern North America, it inhabits moist forests, meadows, and wetlands, feeding on invertebrates, berries, and fungi. During the breeding season (April–October), females dig shallow nests to lay 3–8 eggs.

Recommended lens:
300 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
Photograph the Eastern box turtle early morning or late afternoon using a telephoto lens of ≥300 mm from a low hide. Approach slowly, use a moderate aperture (f/8–f/11) and shutter speed to capture shell patterns, keep 10 m distance and stay quiet.