At top speed, an ornate box turtle can cross the length of a football field in about 7 minutes. While not a blazing pace, it’s faster than the eastern box turtle, which clocks in at 20 minutes. It’s a good thing these reptiles don’t have to outrun predators. Instead, they have amazing shells for protection. Unlike other turtles, box turtles can close their shells completely to keep predators out.

Reading Level: Grade 5
Interest Level: Grades 4-8
Ages: 9-14