Tortoises live on land, and some aquatic turtles traverse rocky, volcanic, forested and sandy terrain as well. There are several subspecies of eastern box turtles that have different coloration. How to Create an Indoor Box Turtle Habitat. There are currently four recognized species of box turtles: Common box turtle, Coahuilan box turtle, Spotted box turtle and Ornate box turtle. Smaller subspecies measure 5 to 7 inches long, and larger subspecies measure 9 to 12 inches long. On average, an eastern box turtle is about five to six inches (13 to 15 centimeters) long. Box turtles, also known as box tortoises, comprise a genus of turtle native to United States and Mexico. The vast majority of hatchling turtles do not survive to see their first birthday, and only a very small percentage of those survivors are able to reach adulthood. Because they live so long, a female turtle can deposit clutch after clutch of eggs. North American box turtles are mainly terrestrial turtles but compared to aquatic turtles, such as red-eared sliders, they can be more challenging to care for and may not be the best choice for beginners. Box turtles, also known as box tortoises, comprise a genus of turtle native to United States and Mexico. So if you’re considering a box turtle as your next pet it’s important to understand that this is a long-term responsibility. With four subspecies, Asian box turtles range in size based on geographical location. Box Turtle Facts and Information. Like any pet they require quality care to ensure they live a long and happy life. Eastern box turtles cannot swim and will drown in deep water. However, they do usually live in moist areas in the Eastern United States such as marshlands and forests that receive frequent rainfall. Box turtles, also called terrapins, are terrestrial turtles, but most species require constant access to fresh water. Asian Box Turtle Life Span. Asian Box Turtle Size. Species such as the Galapagos tortoise are restricted to regions like the Galapagos Islands. Often, these turtles soak themselves in shallow puddles for days at a time. The box turtle is a species like no other. How Long Do Box Turtles Live? Box Turtle Facts and Information. Get your turtle a checkup from your experienced reptile vet beforehand. Box turtles also form a familiarity with their surroundings, and taking a box turtle that someone has had in one enclosure for two decades and putting it in … Eastern Box Turtle Overview (101) There are six subspecies of Eastern Box Turtles, and they all belong to the Emydidae family.. By far the most popular is the true Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina), so this guide will focus on this variety.Coming from Canada and the US East Coast, they can live … Some eastern box turtles have brown shells, while others have olive-brown shells with decorative yellow markings. Many baby turtles who live in the wild will die of exposure or predation in their first year. However, once a turtle has attained adult size, their mortality rate drops markedly. Aquatic turtles mainly live in the sea. Hinge-back tortoises dwell in dry and wet regions of Africa with extensive vegetation. Your box turtle will want to hibernate during the approximately four to six months of cold weather, depending upon where you live. With a beautifully powerful shell and gentle demeanor, it’s popular among pet owners and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The African spurred tortoise, more commonly referred to in the pet trade as the sulcata tortoise, bears the desert heat in … Box turtles are best kept outdoors where they have a lot of roaming area. Terrestrial turtles live on land. Your vet is the best one to clear up all your hibernation questions. There are also other types of turtles that live in both water and land, like snapping turtles for example. Since they grow quite old, these turtles require long term commitment and proper care. Box turtles don’t live as long in captivity as they do in the wild, and you don’t want to purchase one at the end of its life. With a beautifully powerful shell and gentle demeanor, it’s popular among pet owners and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The box turtle is a species like no other. There are currently four recognized species of box turtles: Common box turtle, Coahuilan box turtle, Spotted box turtle and Ornate box turtle.