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Why is the ornate box turtle Kansas state reptile?

Why is the ornate box turtle Kansas state reptile?

In observance of the 125th anniversary of Kansas statehood, a sixth-grade class in Caldwell decided to nominate the ornate box turtle as the state reptile. The yellow stripes on both the upper shell and lower shell of the ornate box turtle identify this species.

Can you own an ornate box turtle in Kansas?

It is illegal in Kansas to take turtles from the wild to keep as pets. Unlike the state reptile of New York (the snapping turtle), the ornate box turtle can completely withdraw its legs, tail, head and neck into a sturdy shell, which protects the turtle from predators such as coyotes, raccoons, and foxes.

What is the Kansas state reptile?

the ornate box turtle
This is one reason why the ornate box turtle is the state reptile of Kansas.

Are ornate box turtles illegal?

It’s illegal to keep an ornate box turtle unless you have a permit, but it’s hard to enforce this law and pet collecting still goes on. You can help the box turtle most by leaving it in its natural habitat. Left in the wild, a box turtle may produce more than 200 eggs in its lifetime.

Where do ornate box turtles come from?

The Ornate Box Turtle is native to the Great Plains of the United States and occurs from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and eastward as far as southern Wisconsin and northwestern Indiana. The southernmost limit of its range is Louisiana and eastern Texas.

How much does an ornate box turtle cost?

How Much is a Box Turtle?

Aquatic Box Turtle $30 – $100
Indonesian Box Turtle $50 – $120
Asian Box Turtle $90 – $130
Three-Toed Box Turtle $140 – $430
Ornate Box Turtle $200 – $350

Are there alligator snapping turtles in Kansas?

Description: Alligator Snapping Turtles are the largest freshwater turtles. They weigh between 155 and 175 pounds (70 to 80 kg). The Alligator Snapping Turtle has been recorded from the Neosho, Verdigris, Walnut, and Arkansas River Basins in Kansas between 1885 and 1986.

Is it illegal to own an alligator snapping turtle in Kansas?

Common snapping turtles and soft-shelled turtles may be taken year-round. Daily creel limit is eight, single species or in combination. Possession limit is three creel limits. A valid fishing license is required (unless exempt).

What is the Kansas state bug?

Honeybee
In 1976 Kansas schoolchildren collected more than 2,000 signatures from students across the state to make the honeybee the state insect.

What is Kansas State nickname?

The Sunflower State
The Wheat State
Kansas/Nicknames
The state of Kansas has been known by a number of different nicknames, most popular is the Sunflower state. The native wild sunflower grows around the state was was named the official flower in 1903. Jayhawker is a common nickname, but historians disagree on its origin.

How old do ornate box turtles get?

between 32-37 years
The lifespan of ornate box turtles is between 32-37 years.