*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names:
Subspecies: Only the Three-toed Box Turtle, Terrapene carolina triunguis, occurs in Louisiana.
Description:
Similar Species:
Species Range:
Louisiana Range: Statewide.
Habitat:
Natural History:
Best Time and Place to Observe:
Global Conservation Status: Eastern Box Turtles are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G5 (Secure).
Federal Conservation Status: None
Louisiana Conservation Status: Eastern Box Turtles are a ‘restricted harvest’ species in Louisiana, where, with a proper license, they may be taken, but take is limited to two box turtles per day, and possession is limited to four box turtles of the genus Terrapene at any time.
Author's Remarks: I have observed box turtles occasionally in the Atchafalaya Basin, St. Bernard Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, St. Tammany Parish, and a couple in Ouachita Parish. I have also seen one individual on the road in Kisatchie National Forest (Natchitoches Parish), Sam Houston Jones State Park (Calcasieu Parish), Bienville Parish in northern Louisiana, in Rapides Parish, and at Mary Ann Brown Preserve in West Feliciana Parish.
