That's right, a box. The famous Eastern box turtle hails from the United States, ranging from Southern Maine down to Northern Florida, and as far west as the Great Lakes. This amazing species got its name from its hinge on its plastron that can seal the turtle up entirely inside its protective bony shell when it is feeling threatened. This hinge occurs in a few species for various reasons like egg laying, but none can compete the strength and the near perfect "locked up" plastron to carapace like the beautiful and sometimes extremely vibrant Eastern box turtle or Terrapene carolina carolina.

Otis is a special resident here at Garden State Tortoise. He was a surrender to us a few years ago, and has brought smiles to so many people around the globe.