The most recently designated state symbol is Pennsylvania’s Official state amphibian. No, it’s not a frog or toad, it’s a salamander, more specifically, the eastern hellbender.

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.

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.

RICHMOND — Virginia’s wildlife agency is proposing major restrictions on keeping native reptiles and amphibians as pets. The proposals would ban the keeping of box turtles altogether.