NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
1979 SESSION
CHAPTER 154
HOUSE BILL 384
AN ACT TO ADOPT THE TURTLE AS THE OFFICIAL STATE REPTILE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the turtle is a most useful creature who serves to control harmful and pestiferous insects, and acts as one of nature's clean-up crew, helping to preserve the purity and beauty of our waters; and
Whereas, the turtle is derided by some who have missed the finer things of life, but in some species has provided food that is a gourmet's delight; and
Whereas, the turtle, which at a superficial glance appears to be a mundane and uninteresting creature, is actually a most fascinating creature, ranging from species well adapted to modern conditions to species which have existed virtually unchanged since prehistoric times; and
Whereas, the turtle watches undisturbed as countless generations of faster hares run by to quick oblivion, and is thus a model of patience for mankind, and a symbol of this State's unrelenting pursuit of great and lofty goals; and
Whereas, the woodlands, marshes, and inland and coastal waters of North Carolina are the abode of many species of turtles; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1. G.S. Chapter 145 is amended by adding a new section as follows:
"§ 145-9. State reptile. — The turtle is adopted as the official State reptile of the State of North Carolina, and the eastern box turtle is designated as the emblem representing the turtles inhabiting North Carolina."
Sec. 2. G.S. Chapter 145 is further amended by rewriting the caption of the Chapter to read:
"State Flower, Bird, Tree, Shell, Mammal, Fish, Insect, Stone and Reptile."
Sec. 3. This act is effective upon ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 19th day of March, 1979.