I will soon propose designating the ubiquitous Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene Carolina Carolina) as the official Pennsylvania state reptile.
 
The eastern box turtle can be found across the Commonwealth in rural, suburban, and even urban habitats: shrubby grasslands, marshy meadows, open woodlands, and field forest edges. The turtles are often found near streams or ponds, or areas that have experienced heavy rainfall. Box turtles generally live for 25-35 years but have been known to survive for more than 100 years old.
 
Eastern box turtles have many uniquely identifying characteristics. When in danger, the turtle can close the hinged sections of its shell, effectively sealing its soft body in bone, forming a “box.” When injured or damaged, the shell has the capacity to regenerate and reform.
 
Unfortunately, the eastern box turtle is becoming an at-risk species, experiencing population declines throughout most of its range due to habitat fragmentation, roadway traffic, incidental and illegal collection, poor habitat management activities, as well as inflated level of predation, disease, and natural disturbances (e.g., floods and fires).
 
Designation as the official reptile of Pennsylvania will assist in conservation efforts for the eastern box turtle and other turtles as well as snake and lizard species.
 
Please join me in supporting this bill.