Young adult male turtles are out looking for mates - just plain lust, you might say. Unfortunately, many thousands of these wanderers are killed by vehicles. While some collisions red unavoidable, drivers who watch both the road and their speed can spare box turtles. Remember, if you see one turtle crossing the road, you'll likely encounter more. The main cause of mortality in adult box turtles, other than vehicles, are sudden freezes early or late in the year.
Box turtles are often victims of their own popularity.
Many are captured and brought home as pets only to die from improper care. This is particularly true when box turtles are kept through the winter months. The next time you encounter a box turtle in the woods, pick it up. A close look can reveal a lot about an individual turtle. See if you can determine if it is male or female, a youngster or and old-timer.