Gopher Tortoise
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The gopher tortoise is one of five North American tortoise species and is the only tortoise naturally found east of the Mississippi River in coastal scrub and pine flatwood habitats of the southeast United States.
The gopher tortoise is considered a “keystone” species because its burrows provide benefits to more than 350 other species.
In all their inhabiting southeastern states, the gopher tortoise is considered endangered or threatened. In Florida, it is listed as “threatened”.
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Gopher Tortoise
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To get a chance to possibly see this 9-15″ (23-38 cm) dry-land turtle, we traveled not far to Rena Point. With perfect conditions for the gopher tortoise, roadside rescues are brought to this enclosed, protected area that were not able to be returned to the wild.
We explored the area and trail for about an hour with no sightings and returned to the parking lot. And this is where we found this gopher tortoise doing a little foraging not too far from our car. 😏
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Gopher Tortoise
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Gopher Tortoise
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More information on the gopher tortoise posted at Rena Point, if you’re interested!
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