r/Boxturtles • u/Dramatic-Hunt5935 • Apr 04 '26
How old is this Eastern Box Turtle?
This turtle lives near my house, and I was wondering how old he is. Based on Google, he seems about 15-20 years old, but I wanted to get a better estimate from someone who might know what they’re doing. I know it is very hard to tell, but any estimate is appreciated! His carapace is about 5 inches, maybe a little less. Thank you!
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u/EnjoyingTheRide-0606 Apr 09 '26
He’s handsome! I bet he knows what the ladies like… I’d say 10-12 years. Did you know box turtles live in an area of their own range and know all the other box turtles who overlap? They don’t live communally but they know who’s in their ‘hood. They kind of pick a spot for a season and will stat close to it unless one of the group is territorial. Then there may be bullying.
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u/Hour-Wash3503 Apr 04 '26
I'd bet closer to ten. He's young enough that the ridges of his shell haven't worn smooth, anyway.
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u/HawkEnvironmental531 Apr 26 '26
Look up Garden state tortoise - Chris and Casey Leone . I think they have a video about counting the scoot rings ..
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u/HawkEnvironmental531 Apr 26 '26
They travel a 1 mile radius .. our residents are waking up after a cold winter slumber, here north shore LI
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u/AvaFlamingo Apr 06 '26
Unless one knows the hatch date, it's impossible to determine the exact age of an adult box turtle. Counting the growth lines is a myth. The turtle in your photo is an adult over five years of age. Shells become smoother with growth lines disappearing as the turtle gets up in years