Ambassador since 2017
Terrapene carolina carolina
- Eastern box turtles are native to Illinois, though there are no wild populations in Kane County.
- Box turtles are omnivores, which means their diets include both plants and animals. At Hickory Knolls, Myrtle and her box turtle cage-mates enjoy salads of fresh greens, fruits and vegetables; insects; earthworms; and, occasionally, canned dog foods.
- Myrtle was one of several box turtles confiscated by conservation police who were enforcinge Illinois’ Herp Code. These regulations prohibit individuals without proper permits from taking any native reptile or amphibian from the wild.
- Like other box turtles, Myrtle can expect to enjoy a lifespan that might reach 80 years or more.