BOX TURTLES NEED YOUR HELP! Know the new laws!
Behavior Eastern box turtles are typically active from April to October. Box turtles can be seen during the day and retreat to resting areas by night. In the spring and fall, box turtles are active throughout the day. They will bask in the morning and forage throughout the afternoon. However, during the heat of summer, eastern box turtles usually move about only during the morning and after heavy rainfalls. Throughout the year, box turtles commonly use wooded habitats for shelter. During winter, box turtles will hibernate under stumps, logs and shrubby areas. Wet areas are also utilized in the warmer months of summer. Box turtles will use pools of standing water or mud to cool themselves when temperatures get too high.
2. Why is there a need to regulate box turtle possession in Indiana? Nationwide research reveals that eastern box turtle populations are in trouble. Current research also indicates that previously unnoticed declines in box turtle populations have become apparent. What were often regarded as ‘good numbers’ in box turtle density, have been determined to be insufficient for healthy population growth and survival. Indiana, like many other states, is taking proactive measures to protect and preserve these vulnerable animals before they become threatened or even endangered. Although Indiana does have a few healthy populations, these populations are widely scattered. New developments, environmental changes, chemical pollution, captive breeding and possession all negatively impact the long-term survival of box turtles in Indiana.
Longevity The long life expectancy of turtles, in general, makes owning one as a pet a long-term responsibility. The keeper is obligated to care for it long after childhood interest wanes. Unfortunately, most individuals do not consider the long-term care required for owning a turtle and promotes individuals to turn them loose when they are no longer wanted.
Collection as a Pet or for Profit Continued collection of wild box turtles greatly reduces another box turtle’s chance of reproduction and removes one more viable turtle from the breeding population. To ensure long-term survival, eastern box turtle populations in Indiana cannot sustain additional losses. 3. May I collect a box turtle from the wild? No, new regulations that become law in the fall of 2004 will not allow the collection of box turtles from the wild in Indiana. If you wish to collect one in another state, you must follow all rules and regulations of that state. If you lawfully collect an eastern box turtle from the wild in another state, you will need a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in that state before bringing it into Indiana. You will need to apply for a special purpose turtle possession permit within ten (10) days after bringing the turtle into Indiana. You must submit the health certificate and documentation that shows where it was obtained (such as a receipt or copy of a license) with your permit application form. 4. Can I possess a box turtle as a pet? Yes, you can possess an eastern box turtle or subspecies as a pet, but only if you obtain a special purpose turtle possession permit and provide documentation that the turtle was obtained lawfully. A box turtle can be obtained in one of the following ways: as a gift from someone who has box turtles under a special purpose turtle possession permit in Indiana, from another state (if obtained lawfully) or if a wild collected turtle is in your possession prior to November 1, 2004. Documentation that the box turtle was lawfully acquired must be submitted with the permit application form. 5. Can I possess a box turtle egg, carapace (shell) or other parts of a turtle? The eggs of all native reptiles (including box turtles) are protected by law and cannot be taken from the wild in Indiana. The shell or any other part of a box turtle is included in the protection of box turtles in Indiana. They cannot be possessed without a permit from the Division of Fish and Wildlife with documentation of how they were obtained. No part of a native turtle can be sold in Indiana. 6. What should I do if I find an injured or sick box turtle? Sick or slightly injured box turtles should be left in the wild. Box turtles are surprisingly resilient to damage and disease. If left alone, they will, more than likely, heal on their own. If a box turtle appears severely injured, it can be given to a licensed rehabilitator or licensed veterinarian. You cannot possess an injured turtle for more than a few hours to transport it to a licensed rehabilitator. In Bartholomew County UTOPIA Wildlife Rehabilitators handles box turtles, birds and other sick or injured wildlife. Call: (812)546-6318 for help.
7. What do I do if I find a nesting turtle, nest or eggs? Leave them alone. If a nesting turtle is encountered, do not approach them. Box turtles can easily be scared away from nesting sites. Box turtles may start digging several nest sites before deciding on a suitable location. A mesh fence may be placed around a nest to protect the eggs from predators. 8. What can I do to help box turtles in the wild?
• Leave leaf litter and fallen woody debris on the forest floor.
• Protect and/or promote the protection of turtle habitat.
• Obey speed limits to allow appropriate stopping time if a turtle is on the road.
• If you see a box turtle trying to cross a busy road, you can pick it up and move it to the other side of the road in the direction it was facing. The turtle cannot be kept or moved to any other location.
• Do not burn large areas during peak activity times for turtles.
• Thoroughly check yards before mowing or burning brush piles.
• Report any collection or sale of box turtles to the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 317-232-4080 or the Division of Law Enforcement at 317-232-4010. This can be done anonymously.