I have hade the same turtle as Dr. Spero for 25 years. He is a male and lives with a brown box turtle I call PIGGY. She is a female. They are the best pets! THEIR DIET CONSISTS OF: bugs,worms,canned cat food,canned dog food or raw ground meat. THEY WILL ALSO EAT:fruits and vegetables that are raw. I do not advocate picking up a wild reptile...ever...however...the y were purchased in LAS VEGAS 25 YEARS AGO IN A PET SHOP. They need sunlight and a wading pool of water to go in and out. They lived mainly in peat moss until 2 weeks ago when I moved. They are now in the bathroom loose most of the time.