Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Eastern box turtle
Scientific name: Terrapene carolina
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Family: EMYDIDAE
Group: Reptiles
Shyness: Tolerant
Safe distance: 10 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 01.04-31.10
Gestation: 60-90 jours
Births: 01.08-31.10
Habitat:
Moist forests, meadows and wetlands
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
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.
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