A Handsome Terrapene! - *Update*

I saw a Facebook posting the other day regarding box turtles that read -

"Found a box turtle in your yard? Don't move it. They live 50+ years inside an area the size of a football field and know every log and stump in it.  Relocate one "somewhere safer" and it spends the rest of its life trying to walk home.  Most don't make it."!

Well, that hit hard, so I decided Nolan needed to be returned back to the area I caught him - Rt107 in Jonesborough. So earlier this past week, that’s what I did -

I don't recall the exact spot we found him but did my best to try and get him in the general vicinity, hoping his walk home wouldn't be too far off.

Just beyond the trees in the picture below was a small pond about 100 yards off the highway. So, I walked him down there, lectured him about the dangers of trying to cross the road and thanked him for spending a week with me -

I'm sure he'll be just fine.

A Handsome Terrapene!

Meet “Nolan”, short for Nolachuckey -

We rescued him attempting to cross Rt. 107 in Jonesborough!

He has a bit of damage to the top of his shell but otherwise, he looks to be in great shape and is a handsome dude -

Gave him a bath, then let him soak for a bit in clean water to get himself a drink.

He’s getting bolder and staying out of his shell -

My favorite type of turtle 🐢 hands down!

Ms. Trixie met and befriended Nolan -

Fun Fact - Did you know that the box turtle was officially designated as the Tennessee state reptile in 1995!

Outta Brumation They Come!

An Eastern Box Turtle!

Still dirty from it's brumation too!

How symbolic that it was rescued while crossing the road on Easter morning, a resurrection of sorts -

This dude was sealed up nice and tight. Box turtles close up in their shell as a primary defense mechanism, utilizing a unique hinged plastron (bottom shell) to seal themselves tightly against predators like raccoons and foxes. This "door" allows them to seal their limbs and head away from danger, acting as a near-impenetrable armor. They use if as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened or in fear.

I really wanted to keep this dude. Clean it up and wait to see it emerge and start crawling about.  Was curious what color eye it had and weather it was a boy or a girl.  But alas, we set it down on the other side of the abutting chain link, to keep the dogs away from it, and it has since skedaddled off, alas. Hoping we come across another one or two as we make our drives from Johnson City to Limestone.

In case you were wondering - "Brumation is a state of dormancy and metabolic slowdown in reptiles, amphibians, and other ectotherms (cold-blooded animals) during cold winter months, usually from November to February. Similar to hibernation, it is a survival mechanism to conserve energy when temperatures drop and food is scarce."