I was enjoying my coffee outside yesterday morning when I spotted this Three-toed Box Turtle walking through the dew-covered grasses. Yes, I had to take photos.
Urban Three-toed Box Turtle in September – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/200, ISO 1250, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
I put on some waterproof slip-on shoes and walked through the damp grass to the turtle. The light was awful; thick clouds hung overhead in the sky, and it looked like it might rain at any moment.
Knowing that these turtles will go into hibernation after the first hard frost in the fall spurred me on. It was, after all, the first day of September. Cooler mornings and days really aren’t all that far away.
The hibernation process for Three-toed Box Turtles involves the following:
- They dig shallow burrows, often only a few inches deep, covered with leaf litter.
- Entering hibernation is a slow, gradual process.
- They produce a natural antifreeze in their blood and tissues to protect against freezing temperatures.
- Their heart and blood vessels continue to function at very low levels during hibernation.
Three-toed Box Turtles typically hibernate in burrows in wooded areas and they often return to the same general area to hibernate each year.
I’ve had a blast photographing these Three-toed Box Turtles this year. Turtles weren’t a subject I saw often in Utah. Mostly, I encountered Red-eared Sliders, which aren’t native to that state.
The box turtle was smaller than most of the ones I photographed at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, but it wasn’t exactly tiny either. I’m not sure why the turtle was wandering through the grass or where it was going. I am just glad it caught my attention.
The Three-toed Box Turtle didn’t appreciate me being close. The turtle pulled her or his head into their shell not long after I took this photo. I thanked the turtle, moved away, and watched from a distance as it headed toward a hedge.
This Three-toed Box Turtle was my favorite subject of the day!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see my Three-toed Box Turtle gallery. I will be adding more images of this species as time allows.
I love this pic. It never ceases to amaze me how you can tease such detail out of a subject when the light is less than optimal. And your narrative about the Three-toed Box Turtle is really interesting. Thanks Mia.
Great find and information.
More envy. Thank you for your keen eyes and endless curiosity.
So glad you keep your eyes open all the time. I really appreciate your taking the time and effort to share your rewards. Becoming a photographer certainly has taught me how to see, and like you, I love the gifts nature so generously provides.