Eastern box turtles are about 4.5 inches long and weigh 1-2 pounds. This coloration provides camouflage which prevents detection by possible predators. The bottom of the box turtle shell is hinged, allowing for complete closure of the shell.
Males have red eyes while females have yellow- brown eyes.
Their bony shell is covered with scales that provide protection from predators and injury. The head and limbs are also covered by thick scales to protect against injury. The shell of juveniles is not hard until approximately the 6th year. During this period, they hide much of the time. The beak of the box turtle is sharp and acts like shears for slicing vegetation.