Box Turtle

The Box Turtle is the state reptile for NC. It is one of the most commonly encountered reptiles throughout hthe state especially after heavy spring and summer rains. They are largely terrestrial unlike the other turtles of the region.

They can be found throughout this area. The specimen below was found in southern Surry Co. and the others were found in Carroll Co. at an elevation above 2,000 ft.

They get their name from the hinge like lower shell or plastron's ability to close using a hinge like structure. Males have a concave platron, as seen in this specimen, while a females will be flat or slightly convex.

They feed on a wide variety of items including berries and various invertebrates such as worms and insects.

Snapping Turtle

Snapping Turtles are the largest turtles of this area. They are found in almost all aquatic environments in this region but spend most of their time crawling on the bottom only surfacing for air. They will be seen about after heavy rains. They are characterized by their large head and powerful jaws and jagged shell.

They also have a rather long ridged tail. They were once considered an important food source to people throughout the south. They feed on just about anything they can capture which includes fish, crayfish and the sometimes young waterfowl.

Painted Turtle

This is a common turtle that is found in almost any sizable aquatic area in this region. They are often found basking on logs in groups on warm days. Like most turtles in this area they feed on a wide variety of prey that includes crayfish, small fish and other small invertebrates such as worms and insects.

Musk Turtle

This is a species that is common to the region but is rarely encountered except after heavy rains which may bring them from their watery habitats. This shy specimen below was found at Raven Knob, but I have seen others from the central part of the county that probably came from Lovills Creek.

Yellowbelly Turtle

This is a species that is not known to range into this area. However, many have been releases as unwanted pets over the years and have become esrtablished in areas outside their natural range. This old mealnistic specimen was found at Raven Knob.

Bog Turtle

The Bog Turtle is one of the rarest reptiles in the US hence it being federally protected. It is also one of the smallest and most secretive. They are found in a rather unique ecosystem known as mountain bogs. There are only two that occur in Surry Co. and both support Bog Turtles. Below is a photo of one of the sites in western Surry Co. Both populations have been studied and montored through a federally funded program.

This species is rarely found basking and spends most of its time in the mud of the bog.