Today is day #5 of the 2012 30 Days Of Biking challenge:
Met a celebrity backroads traveler today, but she was a bit shy and withdrawn…
This is an Ornate Box Turtle, the offical state reptile for the state of Kansas. Judging by the eyes, this one is a female, and approximately 10 years old, if I’ve counted the “scutes” (rings) correctly.
According to State Symbols USA:
The ornate box turtle can completely withdraw its legs, tail, head and neck into a sturdy shell, which protects the turtle from predators such as coyotes, raccoons, and foxes. The shell can not protect ornate box turtles from vehicles however – if you see a box turtle on the highway, please stop your car and gently place this unique creature on the side of the road in the direction it is traveling.
After the photo, that’s what I did: I picked her up and placed her next to the edge of the road she was facing.
Post tags: 30 Days Of Biking 2012
