EASTERN BOX TURTLES
KEEP A LOOK OUT! Eastern box turtles can be identified by their colorful orange or yellow patterned dome-like carapaces or shells.
TURTLES ARE ON THE MOVE! It is springtime in Brewster and terrestrial eastern box turtles have awakened from their brumation, or hibernation, and are on the move.
BECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST! If you happen to encounter one of these reptiles while in the town of Brewster, you can become a citizen scientist and report your sighting. Reporting these sightings allows scientists to better understand and protect this species and will assist BCT in protecting their precious habitats.
HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Time and date of your sighting
- Address or location of your sighting
- The direction the turtle was traveling in
- Description of the habitat in which the turtle was found (ex: woodlands, meadow, beach, etc.)
- Take a clear photo of the turtle, multiple if possible
- Any other information or observations you would like to share
SEND US YOUR FINDINGS: Please submit your information HERE.
Or forward the information to bct@brewsterconservationtrust.org, and we will report directly to the Massachusetts Fish & Wildlife’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program.
LEND A HAND: If you happen to find a turtle in a roadway, please escort it safely in the direction it is heading. If you need to pick the turtle up while doing so, hold it firmly on either side of the carapace, or shell, while supporting the bottom side of the body, called the plastron.
