David Crockett State Park educates residents on Eastern Box Turtles after one was found with fingernail polish on it's shell.

David Crockett State Park released photo of Eastern Box Turtle with fingernail polish on it's shell along with a statement on their Facebook page to educate residents that this is not ok. 

The statement reads as follows:

"Not sure what you were thinking...  this is harassment to wildlife.  Not to mention the cruelty of the nail polish on his shell and on his sensitive body.  But now to be treated he’s been taken away from his territory. Eastern Box Turtles travel less than an acre their whole lives.   He was a piece of art before, and his art carries purpose and meaning."

Following that statement a video was released on Tuesday to update residents that the turtle was properly cleaned removing as much of the fingernail polish as possible where the turtle's natural shell color can now help camouflage him and protect him from potential predators.

The turtle has now been safely released back into his natural habit, and close to where he was found.

Photo Credit: David Crockett State Park.