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Natural History: The range of the box turtle varies from the open woodlands of the Eastern Box Turtle, the swampy environment of the Florida species (Terrapene carolina baun), the
marshy habitat of the Gulf Coast Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina major), to the harsh desert environment of the Desert Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata luteola). Box turtles are
terrestrial but occasionally enter water for soaking and/or drinking. They are generally regarded as poor swimmers. Box turtles appear to be long-lived. One Three-Toed Box Turtle apparently
lived 130 years at an Eastern zoo. Another was found in 1931 with a nearly worn-away date of 1809 carved into its shell! Box turtles are omnivorous. They enjoy both live, whole animal food
(earthworms, slugs, snails and other invertebrates), as well as fruits and berries.
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