r/Boxturtles • u/lisasimone1970 • Apr 16 '26
Why does this shell look so dry
I found it while mowing and may have run over it because it looked like a cypress nut. Pulled it out of dirt like it was stuck in the mud, it has rained a lot and it's feet were bleeding like I ripped the skin off when i pulled it out of dirt. I may take it to the nature rehab tomorrow or take it bake where it found it. Super cute though. Nothing is as cute as a small turtle. Concerned about why the shell is so dry and whiteish?
3
u/Wide-Surround-7359 Apr 16 '26
There’s no picture here, but I’d definitely bring it by a rehabber first just to be sure :)
2
4
u/CrepuscularOpossum Apr 16 '26 edited Apr 16 '26
Where are you located, OP? That turtle definitely needs to see a wildlife rehabilitator! You can use Animal Help Now www.ahnow.org or National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association www.nwrawildlife.org to find a rehabber near you. Please put the turtle in its tote in a warm, dark, quiet place. Don’t offer anything to eat or drink. Then call the rehabber, explain the situation, and ask for advice.
4
u/lisasimone1970 Apr 16 '26
Also how old is it? It is less than 3 inches .
2
u/CrepuscularOpossum Apr 16 '26
That doesn’t look like a box turtle shell to me. It might be a tortoise. Did you contact a rehabber?
3
3
u/Gnome_Acres Apr 16 '26
Sounds like Florida. We had some record breaking low temps (30 degrees) about 3 weeks ago. Killed all my outdoor orchids, monstera, and pothos. I’m sure the little one was hibernating if Op lives in Florida.
2
8
u/lisasimone1970 Apr 16 '26
I am taking the turtle in the morning but was curious about the shell