06/30/2026
Everyone, meet Popeye. (yes we named a one eyed box turtle popeye because someone dropped it off in a box at our front door yesterday) So, now we feel like we should talk about them a little!!
🐢 Did You Know? Box Turtles Are Tiny Tanks With Big Personalities! 🐢
Meet the Box Turtle, Popeye (pictured below) — a fascinating reptile known for its dome-shaped shell and unique ability to completely close up like a box to protect itself from predators!
Here are a few fun facts about these amazing creatures:
🌿 They’re land dwellers
Unlike many turtles, box turtles spend most of their lives on land rather than in water. They love wooded areas, grassy fields, and places with plenty of hiding spots.
🎂 They can live a LONG time
With proper care, box turtles can live 30–50+ years, and some have even reached over 100 years old!
🍓 They’re not picky eaters
Box turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their menu can include berries, mushrooms, insects, worms, and leafy greens.
🏡 They know their home turf
Box turtles have strong homing instincts and often stay within the same small territory for years. If moved far away, they may spend a lot of time trying to get back home.
☀️ They need proper UV light & warmth in captivity
Pet box turtles require specific temperatures, humidity, and UVB lighting to stay healthy and avoid shell or bone problems.
❤️ Important reminder:
If you find a box turtle crossing the road, help it cross **in the direction it was already heading**—but avoid relocating it far away. We were able to transport this guy to UT vet hospital for the medical care he needed on his injured eye, however he is not the typical case for us and none of our doctors see exotics; so please call UT or a wildlife rescue specific to that animal in our area for further instructions on how you can help the injured animal you've found; before dropping it off at our door.
We're glad we got this guy where he needed to be, but we'd prefer to see your furry 4 legged friends instead LOL