All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Watch out for eastern box turtles

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.VA. — There are 13 species of turtle in West Virginia, but the most beloved is none other than the eastern box turtle.

Eastern box turtles are on the move now that spring has arrived and are a familiar sight in backyards and along hiking trails. These reptiles get their name from their hinged shell, which consists of a dome-like carapace and hinged underbelly that lets the turtle close its shell any time it feels threatened.

“It’s a really unique defense mechanism, and it makes it really hard for predators to actually get to them,” said Lauren Cole a naturalist at Chief Logan State Park.

While their shells protect them from the usual forest predator, traffic-related injuries and death is a concern for box turtles. So, if you see one trying to cross the road follow these simple rules:

  1. Safely stop your car on the side of the road
  2. Find out which direction the turtle is traveling
  3. Gently move them off the road, in that direction

Box turtles have very long lifespans and can live for more than 100 years, though most usually don’t live longer than 30 or 40 years.
 

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon Academy Elementary to present “December in My Hometown” musical performance at Wesley Chapel

Buckhannon Academy Elementary will present its December in My Hometown musical at Wesley Chapel at West Virginia Wesleyan on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m., showcasing diverse songs from all grade levels after months of practice.

Beverly woman charged with drug conspiracy involving methamphetamine

A 37-year-old woman faces five to 30 years in prison after a traffic stop allegedly uncovered drugs, cash and text messages about purchasing a pound of methamphetamine.

Upshur County Schools announces Pre-K registration days for January

Upshur County Schools has announced Pre-K Registration Days at schools throughout the county in January. Parents can register their youngest learners at various locations starting Jan. 9.

Dustin Lee Young

Dustin Lee Young, 43, of Orlando, WV, a Buckhannon-Upshur High School graduate who loved the outdoors, movies and animals, died December 4, 2025; visitation and funeral will be held at Clutter Funeral and Cremation.

Robert Dale Cable

Robert Dale Cable, 90, of Buckhannon, WV, a retired oil and gas drill manager, Mason and Sand Run Baptist Church member who loved hunting and family, died December 3, 2025, and will be cremated; donations to Shriners Children Hospital or Sand Run Baptist Church.

Man arrested for DUI after February crash on Route 33 causes juvenile to suffer brain bleed

A 39-year-old man was arrested last week in relation to a February incident where he allegedly rear-ended a vehicle stopped at a red light, causing a juvenile passenger to be flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital with a brain bleed.

WVWC launches BobcAT Early Assurance Program for future athletic trainers

West Virginia Wesleyan College is offering high school students a new pathway to earn a Master of Athletic Training degree in just five years.

Buckhannon Community Theatre brings holiday magic to stage with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR

Holiday magic hits the Colonial Arts Center this weekend as Buckhannon Community Theatre presents the 60-minute, family-friendly Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR, celebrating the joy of being uniquely you.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 15: The end is here

The new four-class setup delivered a lopsided West Virginia high school football semifinals, and Duane breaks down why as he previews this weekend’s championships. He also reacts to WVU and Marshall missing bowls and shares Week 15 picks plus a readers’ contest update.