Box Turtle Surprise Again
Look who was taking a walk on the path at Barclay Farmstead
in Cherry Hill, N.J. It stopped me in my tracks on my own walk through the
Nature Preserve. What a beautiful shell. I bent down to better see it but the
turtle took exception to my curiosity and pulled its head and feet into its
shell. I said quietly that it needn’t be afraid, I wouldn’t hurt it. It peeked
out at me and I couldn’t help smiling at
the quizzical look in its eyes.
It reminded me of other box turtles that have crossed my
path. One was crossing a busy street in front of me as I was driving to my
son’s preschool. I stopped, carefully lifted it up and drove it to his school.
It had a weeklong visit with the children then was released at the teacher’s
farmstead. Another time a turtle was starting to cross a street in a housing
development in front of my car. I gently
placed it in the wooded lot across the way. And there were others, always to my
delight.
Turtles have been seen as mystical creatures. Folklore says
that they are a symbol of longevity and bring good luck. I feel grateful when I
encounter this unexpected gift of nature. It stops me in my distracted thoughts
and helps me focus on the here and now.
I took a deep breath and thanked the turtle for being there.
Then we both continued on our nature walks.
Facts about the Eastern Box Turtle:
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