The eastern box turtle is celebrating 30 years as the most highly honored reptile in the Great Smoky Mountains. Here's how it won that status.

In fact, Vonhof says, various turtles around the world are in decline because of how humans are changing the natural habitat. Predators like foxes, raccoons, skunks and coyotes are another factor.

Many animals and reptiles, including box turtles, emerge during this time. With that in mind, conservationists are reminding the public that it is illegal to keep a wild box turtle as a pet.

Some expert herpetologists believe that numbers of Eastern box turtles are gradually declining. As of July 1, 2021, it has been illegal in Virginia to own the docile, colorful reptile as a pet.

Many states restrict or outright ban the possession of box turtles. These regulations aim to ensure the turtles' well-being and their ability to thrive in their natural environment.

But eastern box turtle supporters prevailed, and on March 19, 1979, the General Assembly read and ratified the whimsically worded document declaring the turtle North Carolina’s official state ...

Box turtles are listed as a species of critical concern and don't always make for being good pets. As the unofficial start to summer approaches with the long-awaited holiday weekend, people ...

Many animals and reptiles, including box turtles, emerge during this time. With that in mind, conservationists are reminding the public that it is illegal in many parts of the U.S. to keep a wild ...