                         Introduction
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Box turtles (genus Terrapene) are relatively small,
land-dwelling reptiles with a unique, hinged shell design
which enables them to completely withdraw their head and limbs
and totally close their shell (like a closed box).  This design
affords total protection to their soft tissues when threatened by
predators.

Box turtle    e very popular as pets in the United States.  Most
of the box turtles kept as pets are collected in the United
States, but four species are also found in Mexico.  The Eastern or
Common Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) and the
Three-Toed Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis) seem to be
the hardiest in captive situations.
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