October 14, 2024 By Katie Roundtree

Gopher tortoises are one of five North American tortoise species and one of the oldest living species on the planet. They are the only tortoise found naturally east of the Mississippi River.  It is a State-designated Threatened species in Florida and is found in parts of all 67 Florida counties.  The gopher tortoise is about nine to eleven inches long when fully grown and is a tan, brown or gray color. Juveniles tend to be lighter brown and yellow-orange. Once they reach adulthood, they can live almost 90 years! They are identifiable by their stumpy, elephant-like hind feet and flattened, shovel-like forearms covered in thick scales. These shovel-like forearms are used to dig extensive burrows for homes.

As their name insinuates, gopher tortoises spend almost 80% of their time in burrows.  Burrows average about fifteen feet long and about six and a half feet deep. Gopher tortoises are ectotherms which depend on their environment to maintain their body temperature. Their burrows help maintain a stable temperature and protect them from extreme temperatures and fire.  Here in South Florida, they are active all year round. In contrast, in colder parts of Florida, they remain in their burrows during cold winter months. Gopher tortoises are keystone species because their burrows provide shelter and provide refuge for more than 350 other species, such as burrowing owls, mice, indigo snakes, rabbits, opossums, foxes, gopher frogs and invertebrates.

Because of their burrowing needs, they prefer well-drained, sandy soils in habitats such as longleaf pine sandhills, scrub, pine flatwoods, dry prairies and coastal dunes. They are also found in urban areas, as many of their natural habitats have been developed by humans.  A habitat with well-drained soil, abundant plants to forage, and open sunny areas is ideal for gopher tortoises. Gopher tortoises are herbivorous and feed on low-growing plants.  They may drink water pooled after rainstorms, but most of their water needs are supplied from the plants they eat.

Locally, there are large populations of gopher tortoises in preserves maintained by Northern within Abacoa and Botanica.  Some of Abacoa’s preserves have trails within them where you may catch a glimpse of a tortoise. Northern’s environmental team works hard to maintain these pristine natural lands so that native animals and plants can thrive for years to come.

Because gopher tortoises are protected in Florida, handling and relocation of gopher tortoises is illegal unless conducted under a valid permit issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). An FWC relocation permit must be obtained before disturbing burrows and conducting construction activities.  Lucas Schaffer, Northern’s Environmental Manager, has taken courses and is certified as a Gopher Tortoise Authorized Agent.  As such, he is allowed by the FWC to survey, trap, transport and relocate tortoises as necessary.

It is illegal to kill, harass or destroy gopher tortoises; however, if you see a tortoise crossing a busy road, FWC grants permission to move the gopher tortoise across the road in the same direction as it was heading as long as it is safe for you to do so.  Do not move the tortoise to another location or put it in a car, as this constitutes illegal possession.  If you see a sick or injured tortoise, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator, such as Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, at 561-575-3399 for assistance.  Source: myfwc.org

Fun fact: April 10 is Gopher Tortoise Day! On this day every year we raise awareness and appreciation for the gopher tortoise and all the benefits they provide to the ecosystem. You can help celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day by hosting an event in your community, asking your local city or county commission to formally adopt April 10 as Gopher Tortoise Day, and educating others on the importance of protecting gopher tortoises. Or simply admire a gopher tortoise from a distance and observe how they get around!