The Wood Turtle is omnivorous (eating both plants and animals) and in place of teeth, has bony ridges on its jaws. Usually solitary creatures, they like to live near or in clear streams, rivers, and woodland ponds near forests. Adult males have a higher, narrower shell than females, and a tail that is thicker and longer. They are active for 5-9 months of the year, depending on weather and location. In winter they hibernate at the bottom of waterways where the water does not freeze, such as a hole in the stream bank, or among submerged, tangled tree roots. Some Wood Turtles have been seen "worm stomping" - a fast stamping of their front feet on the ground, which tricks earthworms into moving to the surface, where they are eaten.