JungleDragon is a nature and wildlife community for photographers, travellers and anyone who loves nature. We're genuine, free, ad-free and beautiful.

Join

Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) Young turtle at a mixed forest edge, near a seasonal stream. Appeared to be sleeping and slowly began responding to my voice. It then opened one eye, realized that I was there, and made the most adorable squeak/hiss whilst pulling its head into its shell!<br /> <br /> For any experts:<br /> Is it normal for young turtles to have eyes that are this puffy? I wasn&#039;t sure if it had a respiratory infection or if this is typical.<br /> <figure class="photo"><a href="https://www.jungledragon.com/image/118363/eastern_box_turtle_terrapene_carolina_carolina.html" title="Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.jungledragon.com/images/3231/118363_thumb.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=05GMT0V3GWVNE7GGM1R2&Expires=1759968010&Signature=BkmHUqBX0IBiX5meUlF8go0ApA4%3D" width="200" height="134" alt="Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) Young turtle at a mixed forest edge, near a seasonal stream. Appeared to be sleeping and slowly began responding to my voice. It then opened one eye, realized that I was there, and made the most adorable squeak/hiss whilst pulling its head into its shell!<br /> <br /> For any experts:<br /> Is it normal for young turtles to have eyes that are this puffy? I wasn&#039;t sure if it had a respiratory infection or if this is typical.<br /> https://www.jungledragon.com/image/118364/eastern_box_turtle_terrapene_carolina_carolina.html Eastern box turtle,Geotagged,Summer,Terrapene carolina carolina,United States" /></a></figure> Eastern box turtle,Geotagged,Summer,Terrapene carolina carolina,United States Click/tap to enlarge Promoted

Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)

Young turtle at a mixed forest edge, near a seasonal stream. Appeared to be sleeping and slowly began responding to my voice. It then opened one eye, realized that I was there, and made the most adorable squeak/hiss whilst pulling its head into its shell!

For any experts:
Is it normal for young turtles to have eyes that are this puffy? I wasn't sure if it had a respiratory infection or if this is typical.

Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) Young turtle at a mixed forest edge, near a seasonal stream. Appeared to be sleeping and slowly began responding to my voice. It then opened one eye, realized that I was there, and made the most adorable squeak/hiss whilst pulling its head into its shell!<br /> <br /> For any experts:<br /> Is it normal for young turtles to have eyes that are this puffy? I wasn't sure if it had a respiratory infection or if this is typical.<br /> https://www.jungledragon.com/image/118364/eastern_box_turtle_terrapene_carolina_carolina.html Eastern box turtle,Geotagged,Summer,Terrapene carolina carolina,United States

    comments (7)

  1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
    Ferdy Christant
    Lion
    View Lion class
    I have no idea about the eyes, just noticed that in your earlier photo, the adult also seems to have fairly enlarged eyes:

    Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) This is our neighborhood Eastern box turtle, Shelby. She lives in a drainage ditch/meadowy clearing near the edge of our forest and beside our dirt road. She sleeps in the sunshine in the same spot around the same time every day (sometimes in different positions). Eastern box turtle,Fall,Geotagged,Terrapene carolina carolina,United States

    ...when compared to reference images. Runs in the family? Local effect?     Posted 4 years ago, modified 4 years ago
    1. View Flown Kimmerling's profile
      Flown Kimmerling
      Lion
      View Lion class
      Ferdy, I think "slight" puffiness is normal. According to an expert on iNaturalist this young turtle's left eye is puffier than it should be (see how it looks fluid-filled on our right/the turtle's left eye?).

      Shelby, the turtle from my other post, looks healthy to me. Her eyes don't look fluid filled and aren't discolored in anyway. I'm pretty sure she could open and close her eyes just fine as well. I could be wrong though!       Posted 4 years ago
      1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
        Ferdy Christant
        Lion
        View Lion class
        Thanks, hope you can keep an eye on it :) Posted 4 years ago
  3. View Calbost Niel's profile
    Calbost Niel
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Intriguing Lisa. Posted 4 years ago
    1. View Flown Kimmerling's profile
      Flown Kimmerling
      Lion
      View Lion class
      Thanks, Niel. It was adorable. I plan on walking back to this location to see if it will return. I may have to call a rehab group in my area to check it for any infection. Posted 4 years ago
  5. View Wesley Goorachan's profile
    Wesley Goorachan
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Amazing find Lisa! Everything about this turtle is just perfect! Posted 4 years ago
    1. View Flown Kimmerling's profile
      Flown Kimmerling
      Lion
      View Lion class
      Thanks. It was a cutie! Posted 4 years ago

Sign in or Join in order to comment.

The Eastern box turtle

The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is a subspecies within a group of hinge-shelled turtles, normally called box turtles. T. c. carolina is native to the eastern part of the United States.

Info 15 0
Similar species: Turtles And Tortoises
Species identified by Flown Kimmerling
View Flown Kimmerling's profile

By Flown Kimmerling

All rights reserved
Uploaded Jul 14, 2021. Captured Jul 13, 2021 11:23 in 227 Oakman Rd NE, Oakman, GA 30732, USA.
country flag of United States of America Explore United States of America 39,925 9,640 8
  • Canon EOS 6D Mark II
  • f/22.0
  • 1/128s
  • ISO100
  • 100mm
Captured in the summer. More summer photos.