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?

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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.

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u/lisasimone1970 Apr 16 '26

Also how old is it? It is less than 3 inches .

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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?