If denizens of the Great Smoky Mountains pull together to give their official reptilian symbol its due, perhaps the eastern box turtle will, as North Carolina’s enabling legislation states ...

They’re an astounding symbol of the awe that the natural world can bring us. That’s why so many people come to the Smokies — and what an amazing mascot of that.” Eastern box turtles, including the ...

The eastern box turtle represents holding on and surviving, sticking its neck out, which led to its status as a state symbol for NC and Tennessee.