When I left the house this morning at 9:00 a.m., I found this turtle around 100 yards down the road trying to get from one side to the other. I leapt from the Jeep, and before I moved it off the asphalt into the low grass—which I hope ended up being the side of the road toward which it was heading, otherwise I’d just set him back several hours—I snapped this picture.

While I was kneeling there, someone else came barreling along, and if they had been less cognizant (or caring) than I, the poor thing could have gone splat had I not been there blocking part of the road.

For those of you who have been following my recent wildlife encounters, this was not the same turtle we spotted earlier this month. This one was a couple of inches larger, around eight inches, which is supposed to be the maximum size for an Eastern Box Turtle.

Based on its shell shape and eye color, I think this is a female—but I’m sure that will be along soon to set us all straight.