Saving the Eastern Box Turtle
The terrestrial Eastern Box Turtle is listed by Massachusetts as a Species of Special Concern, with populations declining due to habitat loss, road mortality, and nest predation.
Each June, during a brief three-week nesting season, female turtles leave wooded areas in search of sunny nesting sites—often crossing roads or entering residential yards. Their shallow nests, typically holding 3-7 eggs, are vulnerable to predators and dry conditions.
How You Can Help
Watch for Box Turtles crossing roads from April through October, especially in June.
If safe to do so, move the turtle in the direction it is traveling.
Alert landscapers and neighbors to slow down and stay watchful.
South Eastham residents are helping protect nests through ECF’s Box Turtle Neighborhood Watch Conservation Program, using temporary predator excluder fencing to improve hatchling survival.