Lawmakers in Harrisburg are on their way to naming the Eastern box turtle as the official state reptile of Pennsylvania.
The House Game & Fisheries Committee gave its unanimous support to a measure this week that would give the turtle that distinction. Southwest Pennsylvania State Representative Anita Kulik chairs the committee and say she hopes the bill earns the support of the full House. The eastern box turtle can be found in rural, suburban and urban habitats. It’s often found near streams and ponds. However, due to habitat loss, they are becoming an at-risk species. Pennsylvania Representative Perry Stambaugh believes that the designation of “state reptile” will help in conservation efforts for them.
