Box Turtle Myths
Myths have followed turtles since the beginning of time. It is no wonder—they have been living on our planet before the continental shift, and their fossils appear on every major land mass.
Turtles have survived mass extinctions that wiped out most of the life on Earth. Real or mythical, turtles are amazing survivors. Let’s clear up some myths.
Myth #1 - Turtles seek roadways to absorb heat.
Although asphalt does retain heat from the sun, there is no scientific evidence that turtles will seek roadways for the ambient heat.
Turtles cross roads for many reasons. It is more likely, however, that the road crosses the turtle’s habitat. This is what I have found in my observations of Eastern Box Turtles:
Turtles are observant. When faced with a “new” clearing, opening, meadow, or roadway, a box turtle will almost always stop not far from where they entered, and they will take it all in.
Turtles are not in a hurry. They have no idea that a roadway, farmed field or mowed yard is a dangerous place to be.
Box turtles live in territories. Their territory develops as they age and explore. They can locate where their favorite blueberry bush is, the water hole, or their favorite place to dig in.
Myth #2 - Turtles shed their shells to grow larger.
Never. Turtles are Reptiles, not crustaceans.
A turtle’s shell is part of its body—the backbone and ribs are fused to create the shell.
The top layer of a turtle shell is made from keratin. This is the same stuff your hair and fingernails are made of.
Our Eastern Box Turtles never shed their keratin. On the occasion that they are chewed on by other animals, the keratin is destroyed first and is the only protection for the bone of the shell.
Myth #3 - Turtles make good pets.
For us to attempt to duplicate the habitat of any turtle is quite a feat. Turtles live in micro-habitats. They are attached to the cycles of the earth. Brumation (hibernation for reptiles) is a physical change caused by the seasons, the sun, and the length of the days.
We can indeed take the turtle out of its environment and keep it in an artificial one. Sometimes we have to do this for the turtle’s health.
If a pet turtle is in your future, please adopt. There are turtle rescues across the country for both native and exotic species. Make sure you do your homework first and learn about the needs of your new pet.
Myth #4 - Eating turtles can cure what ails you.
For generations, Asians have been exploiting turtles and their parts as a cure for many maladies—from acne to night sweats. Turtles are sold as charms and used in elixirs and potions.
There is no evidence to support turtles’ medicinal qualities, and no scientific data has been collected to support any claims.