Gopher Tortoise in the Woodland Area of VISTA

Photo credit - Olivia Chilcott

Gopher tortoises are long-lived reptiles that occupy upland habitat throughout Florida including forests, pastures, and yards.

They dig deep burrows for shelter and forage on low-growing plants. Gopher tortoises share their burrows with more than 350 other species, and are therefore referred to as a keystone species. In Florida, the gopher tortoise is listed as Threatened.

Both the tortoise and its burrow are protected under state law.

Source: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (Gopher Tortoise Program | FWC)