Eastern Box Turtle

From Shenandoah National Park:

Why did the Eastern Box Turtle cross Skyline Drive? To get to the other side! If you've visited the park recently you may have seen these turtles attempting to cross the road. Females may be crossing the road to reach an open space to lay eggs. Males are likely crossing in order to find females. It takes a box turtle around 8 years to reach breeding age and many do not because of predation, loss of habitat, and getting run over by cars. Every box turtle is vital to the species' reproductive success. According to a study by Dr. Richard Seigel at Towson University, the loss of just 3 box turtles from a population of 50 males and 50 females could be detrimental to a population in a particular area. So as you're driving along Skyline Drive or in your own neighborhood remember to go slow and help a turtle cross the road safely!