The carapace, or top portion, of the shell is less domed and a bit flatter than that of other box turtle species. Western box turtles are a smaller species of turtle averaging in size from 4-5 inches females are larger compared to males. In the fall, the western box turtle will dig a shallow hole to hibernate in during the winter. It usually spends it whole life in a small area (less than a few acres). Western box turtles live on prairies and in deserts, depending on subspecies. These animals may actually limit themselves to a range about the size of a football field if their habitat and resources do not fluctuate. They prefer desert or semi-desert areas in an arid climate with high temperatures, low humidity, and cool soil, or in waterways within these areas. You can find them from the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi, in the Sonora Desert and northwards up to South Dakota and Wisconsin. Western box turtles are found in central and western United States and the adjoining areas of northern Mexico. In the wild, the Western box turtle’s diet consists mainly of insects (such as grasshopers, beetles, and caterpillars), spiders, worms, carrion and berries. This species faces challenges from human activities, including agriculture, urbanization, and the pet trade. Incubation lasts 70-days, and newborn turtles are typically around 3cm when hatched. Mating season occurs in the spring, with females laying 1-2 clutches per year, each consisting of 1-8 eggs. Western box turtles are omnivores that enjoy eating a variety of insects, vegetables, greens, and fruit. They range from 4-5 inches in length and are characterized by their dome-like, dark brown shell with flashy yellow lines stemming from the center (hence the name Ornate!). The Western Box Turtle, or Ornate Box Turtle, is a species of turtle that typically inhabits the terrestrial, prairie, or grasslands regions of the Midwestern United States. For more information, please reach out to and General Information This includes scheduled events or programs such as daily animal mingles, private onsite programs, and zoo reaches. NOTE: Education Animals are “behind-the-scenes” animals & only appear to the public during Educational events.
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