tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2552045987668023231.post1024000940115206949..comments2024-03-29T05:31:08.670-04:00Comments on Bill of the Birds on Blogspot: Turtles in the RoadBill of the Birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16000245161006147448noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2552045987668023231.post-73041290651385733782009-07-24T17:35:37.804-04:002009-07-24T17:35:37.804-04:00Although some of the literature states that the li...Although some of the literature states that the lifespan is 50-60, there are records of wild box turtles living to be over 100.<br /><br />Unfortunately, their numbers are declining. A female will lay up to 11 eggs a year; again some of the literature says 5-6, but I've observed 11 in more than one instance. The overwhelming majority of nests are destroyed by predators, and only a small percentage of the hatchlings that escape nest predation survive. Combine that with human poaching – by well-meaning folks who take turtles home and release them in their yards (they have home ranges and often wander if relocated), people who try to keep them as pets (wild turtles usually don't do well), or commercial dealers – and you have a recipe for extinction in the wild. <br /><br />Eastern box turtles are now endangered in Massachusetts and probably should be in a number of other states.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2552045987668023231.post-32526627516294166722009-07-19T23:14:16.326-04:002009-07-19T23:14:16.326-04:00I didn't realize that box turtles are only in ...I didn't realize that box turtles are only in certain regions of the country. I remember encountering a few box turtles when I was growing up in suburban Baltimore, MD (1950's). Does anyone know how long they usually live (provided they haven't been killed)? That was a neat story, Bill.Mary Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08077077785157768787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2552045987668023231.post-55661216618307264712009-07-19T15:18:48.085-04:002009-07-19T15:18:48.085-04:00I saved a Blanding's crossing the causeway at ...I saved a Blanding's crossing the causeway at Magee Marsh and the silly thing tried to pee on me. It was a good sized one ,too, the turtle, not the pee.<br /><br /><br />Sandy Bbutmonkyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09988418580060435256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2552045987668023231.post-53611540550655853372009-07-19T10:33:16.714-04:002009-07-19T10:33:16.714-04:00Great post. I am glad that you consulted with a pr...Great post. I am glad that you consulted with a professional before deciding to relocate the turtle. You are correct that turtles have a home-range, and should never be removed from it, unless in imminent danger. If a move must happen, it is best to take them to a wildlife center, where the turtle can be fitted with a transmitter. This allows her to be monitored, to be sure she is not roaming back into dangerous situations, and finding a good hibernation spot. <br /><br />What is the ratio of male/female of the turtles you find crossing? This would be interesting data.<br /><br />Thanks for you good work!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12500229867730164744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2552045987668023231.post-13842312371128776022009-07-18T16:08:14.721-04:002009-07-18T16:08:14.721-04:00Where I live there are tons of turtles, because th...Where I live there are tons of turtles, because there are a lot of lakes, and my mom and I always try to make sure they don't get run over. <br /><br /><3 CallieCalliopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18062598636224395838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2552045987668023231.post-44750094418200901672009-07-18T16:07:38.280-04:002009-07-18T16:07:38.280-04:00The sad thing is that I think some people will act...The sad thing is that I think some people will actually run over them on purpose. <br /><br />Good for you in rescuing and helping the Box Turtles when you can. Surely you have made a difference in many little turtle's lives. That little lady has had a rough life. Hopefully you've helped to turn it around.A New England Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04345194920944256200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2552045987668023231.post-64834770036872652082009-07-18T15:18:48.571-04:002009-07-18T15:18:48.571-04:00Very nice Bill. I love box turtles, and growing u...Very nice Bill. I love box turtles, and growing up in NE Ohio we just didn't have them. Most residents of Ohio don't realize that they're actually required to get a license from the Division of Wildlife if they are in possession of any native non-game reptile or amphibian. There are actually pretty strict regs about keeping herps here in Ohio that not many people know about.<br /><br />TomTom Arbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01919759721690261620noreply@blogger.com