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Friends of the Enchanted Forest 444 Columbia Blvd., Titusville Florida 32780 Enchanted Forest Nature Sanctuary |
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Becky Bolt is a wildlife ecologist and Gopher Tortoise expert working for Dynamac Corporation, the contractors for Environmental Studies at the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, Florida. She has agreed to answer your questions about Gopher Tortoises.
Click here to send your question: Gopher Tortoise Question.
Please do a search of this Q&A to see if your question has already been answered.
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| Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 From: Jamuh8 Subject: (no subject) how do you know if a gopher tortoise is going to lay eggs? how old do you these gopher tortoises are? i spotted them in my yard and took a picture of them because i was wondering how old they are for something i have to do in school. |
You also cannot reliably age a gopher tortoise, but you can estimate the age from the size. I can't tell from your pictures how big these are. Can you tell me approximately how long they are in inches? I don't know what you mean by doing something with them for school, but you need to realize that gopher tortoises are legally protected. You cannot keep them in captivity (even in your yard, unless they are there of their own free will), feed them, or mess with them in any way. If your school project is making observations only, that would be fine. |
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| Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 From: Spider1369420kap Subject: berlandiers tortoise I've had a berlandiers for two years now and she has laid 4 eggs in the last week. there is no male with her., can these eggs be good? I have heard that tortoises can carry eggs for up to three years, but I can find no info to back this up. Can you please help. |
Sperm storage is well documented in many species of tortoises, including the closely related desert tortoise, so your eggs may very well be fine. I have attached a reputable website that talks about Texas tortoise care that may be helpful, although it doesn't specifically address reproduction. It will at least give you a place to start. Good luck and congratulations!!
www.chelonia.org/Articles/Gberlandiericare.htm |
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| Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 From: Sandy S. Subject: TORTOISES [ears] I was told that tortoises don't have ears, but I swear mine respond to sound. Do they? |
Tortoises don't have ears, so they do not "hear" as we humans think of it. However, they are very tuned into vibrations. Imagine what it would be like to have so much of your body being hard and flat on the ground. You would pick up much more of what was going on around you through the vibrations. Good question! Thanks. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 From: Joy If I find a gopher turtle how do i find a suddible habitat in my own home and are they legal in Jacksonville Florida. LINDSEY |
It is illegal to relocate a gopher tortoise. If you find one, please just move it out of immediate harm's way (i.e., out of the road) and leave it alone. Thanks. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2006 From: MROSSBTL Subject: Should we try to remove nail polish/paint from shell A gopher tortoise with either thick nail polish or acrylic paint was found. We would like to remove the material to reduce predation/visibility if possible and release back on his way. I have searched the Internet and have read conflicting information regarding the damage the paint can cause the shell along with the damage that can be caused from trying to remove the material. According to what I have read, the shell is a porous substance that can develop fungi if not exposed to air. Since it is porous, it can absorb cleaning solutions to remove paint. What would you recommend? We do not know who did this but her name is Kalia from Puerto Rico... which is now brightly displayed on the shell. Definitely stands out on the street much less field. Thanks in advance for any assistance. And a Wonderful website!!! |
I would first try carefully scraping or chipping the paint/polish off. If that doesn't work, use some appropriate solvent, but wipe it off as quickly as possible so it doesn't get much time to soak in. The shell is not really that porous and it should be fine. Good luck. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 21 Jun 2006 From: Jamuh8 can you please tell me how old does a gopher turtle have to be to lay eggs? I was just wondering how do gopher tortoise's lay eggs and how can you tell how old they are??? |
Gopher tortoises become sexually mature around 20 years of age. The female digs a hole and lays from 3 - 8 eggs in the cavity, covers it back up with dirt, and leaves. There is no parental care and the eggs hatch in about 90 days. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 From: terron Subject: Gopher rescue My husband rescued a Gopher Tortoise from US 1 in Titusville today. There are so many condos being built, that I assume that he, like others has lost his home. Our yard is currently home to several Gophers, but as I understand he shouldn't be relocated. Is this a tortoise that you can take at your facility? I'm sure he will not make it without help. Thank you for your assistance. Mrs. Terron Phillips |
I am very familiar with Titusville and agree that the development there is out of control. However, it is illegal for you to have the tortoise, or to move it away from where it was found. Please take it back and let it go, out of harm's way. Hopefully, it will get to a safe place. There are many good reasons that tortoises cannot be relocated, including disease and genetic issues. Thank you. | ||||||||
| >Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 From: gone_hunting How to we determine the sex of a gopher turtle? We rescued him from being hit from a car on our street. Also, what do they like to eat |
If you have taken the gopher tortoise away from where you found him, you are breaking the law. Please return him and let him go out of harm's way. Thank you. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 From: spomach4p Subject:can a gopher turtle eat grass? |
They eat all kinds of low-growing herbs and grasses. The most important need they have is a large variety of things to choose from. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 08 Jun 2006 From: Ashley Subject: Species? I live in Pensacola, FL and found this little guy in my front yard as I was digging up and old and overgrown flower bed. I haven't been able to find any pics that resemble him on the site? Thanks so much! |
 
It is a Florida box turtle. |
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| Date: Tue, 06 Jun 2006 From: Peter Subject: Can you identify this tortoise? Seen in Walsingham Park, Seminole, Florida. I tought it might be a box turtle, but it scurried into a burrow. I'm wondering if it might be a young gopher tortoise, as described on www.nbbd.com/godo/ef/gtortoise/QandA.html. Three (4-ed.) pics attached - carapace, plastron, and burrow. Follow up: Thanks for your reply. I was particularly impressed by the beeline the tortoise made for his burrow, which was some 20 feet away. Is it known how they navigate? (Maybe you've already answered this on your site). I am visiting Florida from Marlborough, Massachusetts. I used to find box turtles when growing up in New Jersey and they still fascinate me. |
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| Date: Mon, 05 Jun 2006 From: Oldsouthcc Subject: Gopher turtle He's eating my flower garden, it there anything I can do to stop his destruction? He polishes off a plant or two a day! |
I suggest a fence. It doesn't have to be very tall, but you will need to bury it a few inches into the ground to keep him from digging under it. Because gopher tortoises are legally protected, you can't move him, or do anything to him, so blocking him from your flowers is the best tact. Maybe you could plant some flowers outside the fence for him. You are really lucky to have him hanging out with you. Enjoy! |
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| Date: Fri, 02 Jun 2006 From: SROBOSCOUT Subject: gopher tortoise Someone on our street in south melbourne beach, spray painted parts of the tortoise shell with red spray paint...will this hurt the tortoise..deeply concerned. |
Spray painting a tortoise's shell won't hurt the tortoise, but it is illegal. If it is a small tortoise, the paint might make it more vulnerable to predation because it is easier to see. If you figure out who painted the tortoise, you might tell them that tortoises are protected by the State of Florida and that they have broken the law. If the activities continue (i.e., more painted tortoises or other forms of harassment, including feeding or holding in captivity), contact your regional office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (352) 732-1225. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 27 May 2006 From: PAULBdjn Subject: [injured tortoise] i found an injured gopher turtle and it isn't moving it's back legs it's only dragging and it won't eat and it had holes in the belly of his shell. how can i help him??????? their are many dogs in the neighborhood and i want him to have a chance to survive help please!!!!!! |
It is very important that you get the tortoise to a vet that has reptile experience or to a wildlife rehabilitator. If you can not fine one of those, contact a local vet, pet store, or zoo and ask for their recommendation of where to take the tortoise. If none of that works, write me back. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 21 May 2006 From: TJLD4 Subject: Are they an endangered species? Are they an endangered species protected by federal law ? |
See the attached website: www.gophertortoisecouncil.org/ |
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| Date: Sun, 21 May 2006 From: Kimberly Subject: Red Eared Slider Turtles My family just returned from vacation in Destin, Florida with two red eared turtles. Unfortunately, we were cruely misinformed of the proper care and housing these turtles require and the threat of salmonella spreading to our children. Is there anyone I can give these poor turtles to before they die from lack of proper care? We have had them in the plastic containers they came in the whole ride home & they were not looking so good tonight so I got on the internet to research them & caring for them & feel horrible! We have had them for 48 hrs. now. Please help me if you can! |
Unfortunately, this is a very common problem. Often, people that sell these animals (and others) are more interested in making money than the welfare of the animals. I have a few suggestions: a school teacher may take them as they make decent class pets; try local pet stores (that is a doubtful option); some people sell these at the flea markets and may take them; a wildlife rehabilitator may take them. The worst thing you can do is release them into the wild, so please don't do that. Write back if none of these options work. |
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| Date: Sun, 21 May 2006 From: Steve Subject: turtle [identity] I saved a turtle (tortise?) today on a highway. Here is a picture of it. Can you please identify the species? Thank you. Martha, Ormond Beach, FL |
 It is a gopher tortoise. Good job. Gopher tortoises are legally protected by the State of Florida, so (if you haven't already) you need to move the tortoise out of harm's way and release it where you found it. If you have any questions, write me back. Good picture, too. Thanks. That makes my job much easier! |
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| Date: Sat, 20 May 2006 From: Cathymb Subject: eggs? What do the gophers eggs look like? We had fill/dirt bought in and we found several eggs, round and white. We thought they may be gopher eggs. If they are not, do you have any idea what they may be and then what do we do with them. Right now we have them covered with dirt, in a bucket. |
Gopher tortoise eggs are round and about the size of a ping pong ball. Most turtle eggs are round, varying in size according to what species of turtle laid them. Snake eggs are oblong. If the eggs have been dug up and tossed around, it is not likely that they will hatch anyway as the temperature, humidity, etc., will have been totally disrupted. I would get rid of them before they get stinky. Do you know where the fill came from? If there are tortoises there, the developer should not be digging up the habitat without a permit. |
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| Date: Mon, 15 May 2006 From: Robyn Subject: [baby] I found a baby gopher tortoise in my yard. He is very small and all alone. I was afraid an animal would hurt it. Can it survive on it's own? I have it in my house in an open cooler with grass, water and some soft fruit. Should I keep him protected or just put him back outdoors? Will his mother be looking for him? |
First, because gopher tortoises are protected, it is illegal for you to keep, move, or even feed the tortoise. The best thing to do is take it back where you found it and let it go out of harm's way. Tortoises, like the majority of reptiles, do not take care of their young, so no adult tortoise will be looking. Pat the top of his head, wish him luck, and turn him loose. It is hard to do, but we need all of the baby tortoises out there we can get. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 06 May 2006 From: Itsme22752 Subject: emergency--injures gopher turtle I hope you can help. We found an injured gopher turtle a few hours age. He is severley injured. The whole top of the shell crushed. He has lost a lot of blood, but still seems very allert. Is there any hope? What can I try to do to help this poor guy? |
Please take the animal immediately to a veterinarian with reptile experience, or a wildlife rehabilitator. Write me back with your location if you cannot locate one. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 05 May 2006 From: Lori Subject: Gopher [shell damage] My Australian Shepherd brought a small Gopher Turtle to me, in her mouth!! The shell is very damaged around the edges and seems to have a small amount of blood on it. What should I do? Will the turtle be ok if I just let it go? He seems to be ok ........... but I was concerned that he may have too much damage to his shell & possibly get an infection. Concerned animal lover!!!!!! |
It is very important that you take the tortoise to a vet with reptile experience or wildlife rehabilitator. The shell is an outgrowth of the tortoise's bone, so any injury is serious. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2006 From: lizg Subject: Gopher Tortoise habitat/food Hi, we have about 4 Gophers Tortoises ranging from about 8 inches to 18 inches long, yellow/gold to brown on our property and really enjoy them. We have lots Wild lantana, grasses, grapes etc., but would like to plant other items that they like to eat and that is native to my area (Central Florida). I found this page www.ashtonbiodiversity.org/plants.php, do you have other information. |
The Ashton's have done more to identify tortoise food than anyone else. When people ask me for information, that is what I send them. I have attached another chapter from a training manual that the Ashton's wrote that you may find helpful. It is copyrighted material, so please use it for your own education only. | ||||||||
| Date: fri, 28 apr 2006 from: celtictaps subject: picture of turtle Can you tell me what kind of turtle this is. Every year at this time it visits our yard and last year there were about 4 smaller ones too. I live in flagler beach florida two blocks from a1a and the beach, but this turtle seems to live in the neighborhood here in the brush |
 Congratulations! You are the proud habitat-provider for a gopher
tortoise! Sit back and enjoy, but don't mess with it or even do "nice"
things like feed it. Gopher tortoises are protected and it is illegal
to interfere with them in any way. Hopefully, it will stay off of A1A
and continue doing what gophers do. |
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| Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 From: Patty Subject: Gopher Tortoise [transfer disease to humans] Are there any diseases that a gopher tortoise can transfer to humans? |
I have never heard of that happening, but you might want to check with a veterinarian familiar with reptiles. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2006 From: Lynda Subject: small gopher concerns [ground water] I have enjoyed perusing your Q&A, and all of the info you have provided. It sounds like I am not the only one with a gopher concern. I did not see a satisfactory answer to my questions, so please help if you can. I live in Ponte Vedra, about 500 yards from the ocean. This area floods with heavy rain, and the ground water about 18" down. I have never seen a gopher this far from the higher, drier, sandier habitat of Guana Basin, which is a few miles from where I live. Yesterday I found a small gopher (about 3") in the middle of my backyard. I am wondering if it had been dropped by a bird (I've seen this happen with turtles; most recently a red eared slider who ended up on the beach) I realize relocation does not work very well, but should I just leave him in the yard (he is currently in a large red clay pot burried into the dirt) or call a licensed rehabber? (do you have a list of permitted rehabbers in this area that you could share?) I hope this is worthy of a reply & some direction. Thanks, Lynda |
I suppose the tortoise could have been "transported" to your yard by a bird, but it is not highly probable. It most likely came from the dunes at the beach (are there any dunes left there?). The best (and legal) thing to do is let it be. It may actually decide to take up residence in your yard, so I have attached an article that will give you some helpful information if that happens. The material is copyrighted, so use it for your own education only, please. Letting the tortoise find his own way is preferable to either relocation or rehab. Write back if you need more information. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2006 From: Héctor Subject: Shell problems I have a couple of land turtles in my garden. One of them is experimenting a shell problem. In its lower area it became almost white and it is also coming dust fron it. I don«t know if it is attaked by fungus or any other microorganims. At present I am brushing the area with a mixture of Iodium/Alcohol. Any help will be greatly appreciated. |
My suggestion is that you get the animal to a veterinarian with reptile experience or a wildlife rehabilitator. Shell problems are often indicators of a serious problem. I am not qualified to give you advice on that, so please get the animal to someone who is qualified. If you need help locating someone, please email me back. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2006 From: Igoftmyers Subject: Hurricanes What happens to the Gopher Tortoise during a hurricane..should the area flood? We have several in our area of Sanibel, FL. |
with hurricanes, so they have the ability to survive. My guess is that they go to high ground and get in a burrow. The soils in these places are very pourous and do not hold water long. I also think that tortoises (and wildlife in general) know when a hurricane is coming and do what they can to get ready. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2006 From: Martha Subject: ornate wood tortoise My question is not about the gopher, but an ornate wood tortoise. I hope you can answer it. I have an ornate wood tortoise that will eat NOTHING but strawberries. He loves them and can eat several in a day, but he won't eat anything else. We have tried every fruit and vegetable we can get a hold of. We have tried the tortoise food from the pet store (he won't even eat the strawberry flavored tortoise food). We have tried making a fruit salad with tiny chopped bits of fruits. He picks out the strawberry and leaves the rest. We have tried leaving out the strawberries but giving him other fruits and veggies, and just waiting him out. After a week, I couldn't take it and gave him his strawberries, he ate 3. My vet says he's just picky. I'm worried that he won't get the right nutrients. His habitat is set up just like the books and vet said. He has a pond, and UVA and UVB lights, a heat rock, and it's between 82 and 84 degrees. What can I do to get him to eat something other than strawberries, or do I even need to worry about it? |
The pickiness of your turtle may just be a seasonal thing and its diet may change as the climate changes. If you really want to do a good job, try to mimic the conditions during the year as they occur where the turtle is naturally found (Mexico and Central America). Even though the animal has likely never been there, millions of years of evolution have programmed it to certain climatic conditions and it will do best following those. Also, I have attached a good care sheet that has suggestions as to food and housing. It should give you some good ideas. Have fun! | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2006 From: Marie Subject: send manual Hi, Enjoyed reading all the questions and answers regarding gopher turtles. A gopher turtle, I named it Sandy, has recently burrowed in my yard. I live about a block from the beach (new smyrna beach) and have a small yard, but he/she seems very happy. It dug it's burrow under my neighbors fence and concrete slab, but it's opening is in my yard. I think Sandy may like this site because I have dune daisies growing there in abundance. Anyway, I saw that you have a manual regarding the gopher turtle. I sit and watch Sandy every morning and afternoon. It is amazing how Sandy comes out like clockwork. Could you send a copy of the manual to me so that I can better understand my new neighbor. I'm thinking of planting some coastal prickly pear for Sandy. I didn't realize that I should not feed it. I'll stop, but it has been enjoying the carrots that I put out at 5 PM. |
Here is the information you requested. It is copyrighted material, so please use it for your own education only. Congratulations on the new occupant, and enjoy! | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2006 From: Bob Subject: Turtle sounds Do gopher turtles have a mating call? Do they make any loud grunting noises? |
The most common sound that they make that humans can hear is a grunting noise when they pull the head into the shell. This is caused by the air rushing out of the lungs and is not made intentionally or for a purpose. We are now finding out, however, that tortoises make a wide variety of sounds that are very low frequency and can travel through the ground between burrows. This is a new discovery and research is currently being done to learn more. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2006 From: JAMES Subject: estimated size and age We have a gopher turtle that weighes 55+/- pounds that stays on our property. There is another one that is apx 40% larger but only see it every now and then. Question is how large will they grow and what would be the age of a turtle this size? |
Gopher tortoises do not get that large. I suspect you have an exotic species that has been released. If you can send me a picture, I can help identify the turtles. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2006 From: Kwelbrezz Subject: Found I just found a small Gopher Toroise baby, wondering in my yard i believe its mother has a nest under my pouch, will it wonder back to her or do they have to leave the nest she looks to be no more than a few days old, i have a pic of her that i will email you with this email. Will she be okk out there, we do have a very large Black Racser that also goes in and under our home, is it a danger to this little guy. I saw the mother pop her head out today but when i walked near not knowing she was out she saw me and ran back in. I am worried about the little for it is wondering out near the roads but i do not know if it is hers or there is a really big one that stays sometiimes over at the next trailer so i dont know where she belongs . |
 That is a juvenile gopher tortoise, but it is a year or two old. The best (and legal) thing to do is let it go on its way. The parents do not take care of the young, so it doesn't really matter which tortoise it belongs to. Black racers typically do not eat tortoises, so that should be o.k. Hopefully, the tortoise will make it to somewhere safe, grow up, and make more tortoises. |
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| date: mon, 20 mar 2006 from: anita subject: eastern box turtles i need help with my eastern box turtle, i live in ft payne, alabama, she has a problem, can you advise me if i tell you her medical problem? |
I am not a vet, so my suggestion is that you take the turtle to either a vet with reptile experience, or a wildlife rehabilitator. Good luck and let me know if you need any more information. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2006 From: Danny Subject: [Found: baby gopher tortoise] I have found ( I think) a baby gopher tortoise in my yard any suggestions? |
The only legal thing to do is leave it alone. If it is in imminent danger, move it a short distance into some natural habitat. Do this in the daytime when the temperature is warm, but not during the heat of the day or when it is raining. Put it in the shade and not direct sunlight. Good luck (to you and the tortoise!). | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 From: mike Subject: A baby gopher turtle was on our driveway, what do we do? This little baby gopher turtle was on our driveway yesterday. My daughter put it near our pond. It stayed there all night and today. What do we feed this little thing? Is it endangered? Can there be more around? We've looked all around and have not seen any others, but there was a large turtle on the land behind us but no signs of babies. Spring Hill, FL. |
The best (and legal) thing to do is put it back near where you found it, out of immediate danger. Gopher tortoises live in dry habitats, not in water like most turtles. I would suggest you go to the land behind you where you saw the large turtle and put the baby there. Do this in the morning once the sun is up and warm; however do not put the tortoise in direct sunlight. Try to find some vegetation close to the ground and put it under that so it can hide.
Gopher tortoises are listed by the State of Florida as a species of special concern. It is illegal to keep, move, feed, or mess with them without a permit. Besides, it needs to be released so it can go about its tortoise business. We need all of them out there that we can get. |
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| Date: Mon, 06 Mar 2006 From: tammydlai Subject: Tortoises [research] Hi, my name is Jonathan and I am in 4th grade. I am doing my research about tortoises. I have a few questions please help. Here are my questions: 1)How do tortoises care for their eggs? 2)What age do tortoises first mate? 3)Can tortoises live in their shells? 4)Do tortoises have mortal enemies? |
Thanks for writing. I am glad that you are researching tortoises.
These answers are related to gopher tortoises (not necessarily all the
tortoises in the world), and I hope that they are helpful to you.
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| Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2006 From: laurel Subject: Possible Respiratory Infection HELP!!! About two weeks ago I exchanged a Russian Tortoise from a pet shop that had sold me a Russian prior to this thats shell was getting soft and he wouldn't eat. Now I have a new tortoise from the same pet shop and his skin is peeling and bubbling be the sides of his mouth, his neck is always fully extended from his shell, and he is making a very load weezing noise that can be heard from across the room, it even wakes me up from my sleep sometimes. Please help, I have wanted a tortoise forever but every one I get seems to have problems. |
This problem is not uncommon, and I am not sure what to tell you. Pet stores often receive animals that are unhealthy, they keep them in poor conditions, and they sell them without giving the buyers sufficient information. Take the tortoise back and insist on getting a refund. Do some homework before you buy again. Try to find a pet store that specializes in reptiles, or look for a local herp society, university, or zoo with people that can give you advice. The internet has lots of decent housing and feeding information. Keeping turtles and tortoises seems like it should be easy, but it is actually complicated because they are cold-blooded. Good luck. If you cannot find anyone to help you locally, send me your town or city name and I will try to help. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2006 From: tom Subject: Area I live in lake county(central) Florida, right outside of Minneola. Right now, many residents of our area and I are trying to save about 5,000 acres of scrub land from development. The land is home to gopher tortoises, scrub jays and sand skinks. I am trying to gather as much information as possable. We have been trying to repel these developers for the last 3 years, each time they come back with a new tactic. Hhis time they say they are going to create a reserve for the gopher tortoises and scrub jays on part of the land. I expect this to be 10 or 15 acres. so my question is approx. How much land is needed to support each tortoise? If they get this through it could be dissasterous, putting hundreds of tortoises on 10 acres. Please reply quickly, as the next council meeting is this tuesday and this information could help greatly. |
The home range size for a gopher tortoise varies with the quality of the habitat. When we radiotracked tortoises here on Kennedy Space Center, the average homerange size was between five and 13 acres for males, and 0.7 to almost 3 acres for females. The homeranges do overlap because they live in colonies, but each animal needs enough good habitat for food and burrows. The points you should stress in your argument are:
Here are some websites that should give you some more information you can use. www.ashtonbiodiversity.org/gtci.php; www.gophertortoisecouncil.org/index.htm Good luck and please let me know if I can help any more. It takes people like you to make a difference. Thank you. |
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| Date: Wed, 08 Feb 2006 From: albernrock Subject: sulcatta tortoise I'm thinking about purchasing a sulcatta tortoise. It weights 125lbs. and is currently at a local pet shop. I been doing business with this pet shop for many years now. And feel comfortable with the owner. What I need to know from you is there any kind of wire I can use to prevent the tortoise from escaping. And are there any vitamin supplement I need to get for him/her. As well as any good advise. |
Look at the websites I have listed below. They are reputable ones and should be helpful. I don't keep tortoises myself, but my advice is make sure you are ready for what you are getting into. Sulcattas get big and love to dig. Once it becomes 200 - 300 pounds, are you still going to want it? They are tough to find a home for at that size. Just be sure you really, really, really want it and are ready to do what it takes to treat it right. www.chelonia.org/Articles/sulcatacare.htm www.grare.org/library/caresheets/sulcatabasiccare.pdf |
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| Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2006 From: Tim Subject: reptile career I have loved reptiles, especially tortoises my whole life. I am interested in going to college in this field but don't know what to take. Any suggestions on were to go to school and what classes do I have to take to become a herpetologist or ecologist and such. Also what permit is needed to house gopher tortoises and how to get it for there is a large amount of gophers around here and the permit would be good to have in case of a emergency of a injured tortoise. |
What classes you take in college will depend on where you go. You will need a basic degree in biology or wildlife studies of some sort, but you can take classes for your degree that lean toward herpetology and other vertebrates. The best thing you can do is look for opportunities to get involved with other herp people doing work if you can. Ask your guidance counselor at school if he/she knows of any mentors in your area. You can also contact colleges yourself and see if any of the teachers or graduate students could use some field help. Here is a link to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission tortoise permitting information: http://myfwc.com/permits/ |
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| Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2006 From: Vickie Subject: Removing gopher tortoises Evidently a goher tortoise has gotten into our back yard under the fence. He, she, or they have left many many mounds of dirt and have destroyed our yard. They seem to be going under the fence and then coming back in. We realy want to remove them from our property. How do we do it? We never see them and can not seem to find the main burrow. HELP! |
It sounds like you have an armadillo problem, not a tortoise problem. If you had a tortoise, it would have one or two burrows and not be going back and forth on a daily basis. Contact your local animal control and ask them how to proceed. If I am wrong, and you do see a tortoise, you will need to apply for a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to remove it. My suggestion is that if you are lucky enough to have a tortoise in your yard, you relax and enjoy it. Our fascinating wildlife is one of the things that makes Florida a unique and wonderful place to live. |
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| Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 From: Mjmrivas3 Subject: desert tortise upper respitory disease I have a Sulcata Desert Tortoise and he is about 9 months. He is sneezing and breathing from his mouth. I was wondering if there was a home cure or a way to get medicines for him? |
Please find a vet or wildlife rehabilitator to look at your tortoise. Diseases in reptiles are slow-developing, so once you start seeing signs of illness, the problem is probably already far along. He needs to be seen by a professional. Write back and tell me where you live if you cannot find someone to help you. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2006 From: Rebeltjc30 Subject: teressa in Florida I am in college in lakeland, Florida and I am doing a project on Gopher Tortoise and I would like to know what they eat? I live near a scrub,and do they like living in the scrub or other places? It is a biological issues class so I am trying to explain in the class,how gopher tortoise and the scrub,and the plants all benefit each other. I was reading your site,and loved it. You talked about a plant list, can I please read it. I am also studying plants that are near the gopher totoise. How many gopher totoise are there in Florida? What other states are they in? what other countries do they in? Are they legal in any place to keep them? Any other info that I could share with the class would be helpful. I hope to beable to help them want to learn more. Why does the fires help in the scrubs? I would think it could kill some of the GT? |
Here are a couple more websites that will help you with your research. I have also attached the list of plants that gopher tortoises are known to eat. The list is part of a training manual, so please just talk about it and don't copy it and hand it out. www.gophertortoisecouncil.org/ www.ashtonbiodiversity.org/gtci.php myfwc.com/permits/Protected-Wildlife/permits.html#gophertortoise |
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| Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2006 From: Tricialovespaul Subject: sick tortoise ? We have a tortoise that has been sitting on the apron and atop the mound right outside the hole for a week and not moving. Today, it was just barely inside the hole. We don't know if it is male or female. It does not respond to our approach, but does move (although not going anywhere) to touch on the shell. Is it possible that it is sick? Or, could it be protecting its burrow? Or, could it be a female with a clutch of eggs? Should we do anything? Thank you very much. Susan |
That does not sound good. Is the tortoise sitting out after dark? It probably needs some professional medical attention, either from a vet or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Please try to find one in your area that will look at the tortoise. If you can't figure out where to take it, write me back and tell me what town you live in and I will try to help. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2006 From: Jim Subject: Injured tortoise Hello I live in Kuwainow for two years . Unfortunately it was recentlt attacked buy a dog and appears to be dead. The shell has been ripped off ain a small place undernesth and flesh is exposed. i have treated it with a weak antiseptic solution but after 2 days the tortoise still appears to be dead. Could it be alive? |
I am not comfortable proclaiming an animal dead or alive via a computer. Please take it to the nearest veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator for a professional opinion, and the sooner the better. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2006 From: Ron Subject: law violation living in central alabama over thirty years ago, i captured a young tourtoise crossing a road after a shower. i placed the critter in my back yard where he lived and roamed the yard held in by chain link fence. after a couple years a burrow was dug which he returned to each winter. we moved from the property in 1957; the new owners were told of the tortouise and they continued alowing him free reign. to make a long story short, recently visited the area, went by and found the tourtoise still there and still using the same burrow. my question are we breaking a law by keeping the tourtoise? |
What an incredible story!! No, you weren't breaking the law because tortoises weren't protected then. Do you remember approximately what year you found the tortoise, and about how big he was (inches long)? We don't often have the opportunity to get such long-term data on individual animals. Any information you can share would be appreciated. |
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| Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 From: Anna Subject: Gopher tortoise law I have recently heard of a law in Florida that a gopher tortoise can be removed from its burrow for 10 days (for construction of a nearby site, etc..) and then returned. This law seems unlikely to me. Any idea if it exists? And if so, do you know where I can find information about it? |
Gopher tortoises cannot me moved without a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. There may have been instances when a "move, hold for 10 days, and return" permit was issued, but that would be on a case-by-case basis, not because of a standing law. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 From: Steve Subject: hibernation Hello, I'm a canadian reptile educator and enthusiast and am planning a trip to Orlando area from April 4th to 12th. My question is whether gopher tortoises will have emerged from hibernation at this point. I have a trip to a state park planned just so we can see gopher tortoises in the wild. I'm assuming they'll be up but my experience with canadian herps is that sometimes animals are later than normal depending on the weather. Up here we have to wait til May for many species. Any info you could give me would be appreciated. Great site you have here by the way! |
Hi, Your "luck" at seeing tortoises on your trip will be dependent on the weather while you are here. Our tortoises do not hibernate and will be active most any day when the temperature is more than 70 degrees F. Early April is an absolutely gorgeous time here, typically, warm and dry, so chances are you will see some tortoises. Have fun! | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 09 Jan 2006 From: Jessie Subject: Illegal? Hi. One day my mother and I were driving home when she suddenly jammed on the brakes. Turns out she bumped into a gopher turtle (good thing she didn't hurt it). We decided that it was better of to take it with us rather than leave it in the road to get injured (because two people before us almost ran it over) so we did. We were just wondering if it is illegal for us to keep it since we live in Florida. We probably aren't anyway since there is a lakefront about ten blocks down from us. Thank you |
It is illegal for you to have the tortoise, or for you to release it anywhere other than where you got it. Please take it back and let it go. Look around for some woods or a field; gopher tortoises live on land and would not do well in the lake. It is hard to leave it somewhere that it might be in danger, but gopher tortoises have a home range and a group that they live with in a colony. It needs to go back home, and the sooner, the better for everyone. Write back if you have other questions. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 06 Jan 2006 From: Fides Charisma David Subject: Hi.. I need help pls... Can i know the ovulation of a toroise? Pls repky as soon as u read this message... pls.. hoping for your kind consideration |
Do you actually mean ovulation or how long it takes the eggs to hatch once they are laid? What kind of tortoise are you talking about? For a gopher tortoise, it takes between 80 and 110 days for eggs to hatch in the nest, depending on the latitude where the tortoise is located. If the tortoise is a different species, the time could be shorter or longer. Write me back with more specifics. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 05 Jan 2006 From: AGleic Subject: A possible Tortoise habitat I work at Carver Middle School in Delray Beach, FL, and we were told that there's a gopher tortoise on a part of our land. We had the plot enclosed by a fence (years ago) and no one goes back there anymore. However, the area has become overgrown and litter is cluttering it. I'd like to clean it up, possibly make it a preserve for the tortoise, if he's still there, and make it a nature area we can all enjoy. Is this possible? How do you suggest I go about doing this? Are there any laws I need to know about before I start cleaning it up? Thank you for any information /suggestions you may pass along. |
Sounds like a great idea to me. Legally, you cannot move or interfere with the tortoise, but improving the habitat should not be a problem. Would you be opposed to letting me try to find a volunteer from either the Gopher Tortoise Council or the Florida Chapter of The Wildlife Society to come look at the site and give you some suggestions? Before we go too far with this, make sure it is all fine with the school adminstration and, if so, we will proceed. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 03 Jan 2006 From: Birdwtchr Subject: tortoise eggs yesterday I found a tortoise just finishing and covering her eggs. she is in the back of a 5 acre fenced pasture. I have 5 llamas and 2 emus there. Soon to be a couple horses. what can I do to insure that the eggs don't get damaged? and to help the little ones survive? will a fence structure around the nest be a good idea.? what about the young when they emerge? we recently burned a portion of the pasture so new growth should be present. I don't know if the right plants will be there. can I plant things? and what things do i plant.? |
I checked around with some of my gopher tortoise contacts and none of them have seen or felt like gophers would be laying viable eggs this time of year. Still, it doesn't hurt to keep your eyes open because sometimes we get surprised. That is one of the fun things about this business: there is still so much to learn. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 03 Jan 2006 From: Birdwtchr2 Subject: tortoise eggs yesterday I found a tortoise just finishing and covering her eggs. she is in the back of a 5 acre fenced pasture. I have 5 llamas and 2 emus there. Soon to be a couple horses. what can I do to insure that the eggs don't get damaged? and to help the little ones survive? will a fence structure around the nest be a good idea.? what about the young when they emerge? we recently burned a portion of the pasture so new growth should be present. I don't know if the right plants will be there. can I plant things? and what things do i plant.? any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated. |
Dear Claudia, Because the gopher tortoise is a protected species, there is not much you can legally do without a permit from the State of Florida. It is actually very unlikely that the eggs are fertile anyway. Gopher tortoises typically mate and lay eggs in the spring, and it takes 80 - 110 days to hatching, depending on your latitude. This female is probably just shedding infertile eggs so that she will be ready for next year. She may be old, or young, or was not able to find a mate for some reason. My advice is to let things be. You could mark the nest somehow and keep an eye on it for signs of depredation or hatching, just to satisfy your curiousity. Hopefully, the female will do better this spring and lay a real nest. All that being said, I am still going to check around with some of my peers and see what they think about this situation. You are probably the 15th person or so that has written me this winter about tortoises laying eggs. I want to get some other opinions. It is going to be a scary thing if there are so many tortoises out there unable to find mates and reproduce. Not a good sign. |
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| Date: Sun, 01 Jan 2006 From: jon su Subject: EGGS LAID IN OUR YARD Today we discovered a gopher turtle in our front yard that was apx. 20 inches long from front to back. It went into the woods on the side of our house, then about a hour later we saw her in the middle of the grass in the back yard. She had dug out a small area apx. 4" deep by 12" wide and 6" long and was laying eggs. We did not disturb her and she finished laying the eggs (we only saw one at first then stayed away until she was finished), buried them and left back into the woods. We were considering removing the earth (intact) and placing it into an aquarium tank so that they will be protected then releasing the turtles after they hatch or contacting someone like yourself to find out what is best to do. Our concern is that we have a three year old Jack Russel that is always digging and we are sure that he will not only dig them up, but probably destroy them as well. Or, one of the many raccoons will surely get them. We understand from research throughout the Internet that this species is not only protected but also facing endangerment. What do you recommend as our best course of action to help protect these eggs and give them a fair chance for surviving? |
First of all, because the gopher tortoise is a protected species, it is illegal to do anything to or with the eggs without the appropriate state or federal permit (depending on where you are located). That being said, it doesn't help with the immediate problem of protecting the eggs. You might try screening around them with some chicken wire or hardware cloth, but Jack Russels and raccoons are hard to fool. It is actually very unlikely that the eggs are fertile anyway. Gopher tortoises typically mate and lay eggs in the spring, and it takes 80 - 110 days to hatching, depending on your latitude. This female is probably just shedding infertile eggs so that she will be ready for next year. She may be old, or young, or was not able to find a mate for some reason. My advice is to let things be. You could mark the nest somehow and keep an eye on it for signs of depredation or hatching, just to satisfy your curiousity. Hopefully, the female will do better this spring and lay a real nest. |
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| Date: Fri, 30 Dec 2005 From: Coton Subject: [looks sick] i think my herman's tortoise is hibinating but he looks red on the shell and he is not moving once touched. he is 2 years old. |
Please take him immediately to a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator that has reptile (preferably tortoise) experience. Because they are cold-blooded, it often takes reptiles a very long time to look sick after they become sick, so it is important that you get help quickly. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 25 Dec 2005 From: Daren Subject: bedding for baby sulcatas trotoise what do i need to keep my baby sulcatas tortoise in (bedding wise). i was told one thing but a website told me another please help me thanks |
Here is a website that is very reputable and I would trust what they say. Sulcatas are not easy to take care of properly, so if you are not prepared or willing to do a good job, now is the time to get out. It is very important for a baby to have everything just right so that it can grow (and it is going to grow lots!) into a healthy adult. Good luck and write back if you need more information. www.chelonia.org/Articles/sulcatacare.htm |
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| Date: Thu, 22 Dec 2005
From: carol t. Subject: land development and GT I read some questions and answers on your site, but there are so many questions there that it would take all night to finish them. I hope you can give me an answer to this in my email box so I don't have to search through all the questions again to find the answer. I saw a question about someone wanting to develop their property and thought they could not while the gopher tortoise had a burrow on the land. I saw your response that they could build on the lot and you have a link about permits, but the link is no good because I clicked on it and nothing is there. We have a GT across the street on an empty lot that is up for sale. He/she has a big burrow right near the edge of the road. We live across the street, and we rent, so I want to know what we can do to let someone know the tortoise is there. I am concerned that we may not live in the house by the time the property sells and then maybe no one would know the tortoi! se lives there. I live in Hernando County, FL. Of course, if we still live here, I could run over when I see them begin to clear the lot (they just cleared the lot behind this one and are building a house), but I guess I could possibly be at work. It is very close to the road so I know the house won't be built right there, but they will probably mow the lot because it is so overgrown right now. I would like to know what to do and who to contact if they can have it on record that a GT lives there (like maybe the place where the builders get a building permit, and maybe the fact the tortoise lives there can be recorded). I don't know if this is a possibility or not, but I do wonder what to do because when that time comes and the lot is cleared, they probably won't even know the tortoise is there. Please let me know if I can do anything because lots are selling fast and houses going up everywhere in Spring Hill. Thanks! Concerned Tortoise Neighbor |
There are a couple of things you can do. Take a stake and put it next
to the burrow (not in front of the entrance) and tie some flagging tape
on it. That way, if they come to mow or bulldoze, at least it will be
obvious that a burrow is there. Call your regional office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and report the tortoise (preferably to a wildlife person), with the address of the lot. Tell them you are also going to alert the local buildling permit office: Southwest Region FWC Greg Holder, Regional Director Jeff McGrady, Wildlife Administration 3900 Drane Field Road Lakeland, FL 33811-1299 (863) 648-3203 Call the local permitting people (either city or county) and tell them about the tortoise. When someone applies for a building permit, they should have to get a permit from the FWC for the tortoise. Tell the building permit people that you have spoken to the FWC and give them a name if possible. If you are still living there when the property sells, show the real estate agent and/or the new owners the burrow. They may be happy to know about it and will try not to damage the burrow. Good luck, and write me back if you need more information. |
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| Date: Sun, 18 Dec 2005 From: jasmine Subject: Do my tortoises like the band? My husband and I recently became proud parents of two Russian Tortoises. We are housing them in our living room which is, coincidentally, the same room in which my husband's band usually practices. They're a pretty loud rock band. Will this bother Olga the Terrible and Oksana the Great (the tortoises)? |
I can't say that anyone has ever asked me that question before!!! Tortoises do not have external ear openings, but they "hear" vibrations through their bodies. There is evidence that some species can communicate fairly long distances under ground. I would just pay close attention to the tortoises' reaction when the band practices. If they seem bothered, make alternate plans. If not, let them rock out! Good luck and have fun. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 18 Dec 2005 From: c. Subject: problem with swollen limbs hi please can you help me I don,t know if in right place but just can't find the info anywhere if I'm not in the right area do you know someone i could get hold of as this problem has our vet stumped. I have a red eared terrapin who has become very swollen in the limbs and can not seem to be able to dive in water and has trouble moving on land it started with an eye infection which we fixed with eye drops from vet and then a week later the swelling started she is happy i.e. still eating well |
If the vet you are using can't help, you need to find someone who has some reptile (preferably turtle) experience. Ask your vet and/or a nearby zoo to recommend someone. You might also ask around at pet shops that sell reptiles, or look for a local herp society and ask their members for help. You should do something quickly, because reptiles usually take a long time to show the outward signs of physical problems. This could have been developing for a while. If none of these avenues work, write me back and tell me what city/state you live in and I will see if I can help. |
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| Date: Thu, 15 Dec 2005 From: AARON Subject: Russian Tortoise I adopted an adult female Russian Tortoise about 8 months ago. She is very happy and healthy. But, I noticed while soaking her tonight that her shell seems to be growing. She has a milky colored ring on her carpace in between the outer scutes and the inner scutes. I looked up pictures of growth on the web, and it seems to be exaclty what everyone else calls growth. My question is, can adult turtles still do this? I am worried that something might be wrong, because I have never seen her do this in all the time she has spent here. I feed her an excellent diet of collard/mustard/turnip/kale/green beans/radicchio/broccoli and desert tortoise dust her food. We don't know how old she is, but the previous owner had her for four years. What is going on? If something is wrong, what do I do about it? Thanks! |
Tortoises, like most reptiles, will continue to grow throughout their lives. As long as she is eating and defecating normally, and shows no signs of distress, I think she is fine. However, if her shell starts to get soft, you should take her for a check-up. Try to find a vet that has reptile (preferably turtle/tortoise) experience. You might check at local pet stores or with a local herp society if you have one for a vet recommendation. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 15 Dec 2005 From: Don Subject: Can tortoises eat potatoe peelings? |
It has been my experience that tortoises will eat whatever they want, and it is hard to predict. If it is bad for them, they probably won't eat it. Give it a try. I assume that you are not speaking of a gopher tortoise. They are a protected species and it is illegal to keep them without the proper permits. |
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| Date: Thu, 15 Dec 2005 From: WherestheWooWoos [sex] Subject: tortoise hello my name is Amy i have a 2 1/2 year old Hermannes tortoise. can you please tell me if there is any way that i can tell what sex it is. also at what size do you need to get it chipped . many thanks Amy. |
Here is a website address that will help you with determining sex. I am not sure what you mean by "chipping". If you mean putting a PIT tag in so the tortoise can be identified, I would ask a vet for guidance on that. www.chelonia.org/sexing/sexing_Testudo_hermanni.htm |
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| Date: Tue, 13 Dec 2005 From: Beverly Subject: land being sold Becky - I recently bought a house in Deep Creek, Punta Gorda. We right away found that a large gopher tortoise lives across the road in undeveloped scrub jay land. I saw a real estate agent putting sale signs on the land. She told me that the land can be sold on speculation that the laws will eventually allow the developers to clear it. If the gophers are protected then why isn't their burrow protected? He crosses the road each day at mid-day and munches on grass in our yard. When we see him attempting to cross we go out and wave cars to stop . It makes me a wreck but judging from his size, he has been making this trip since before the road was ever there and he's not about to stop now. We love having him. Is there anyone to contact or is it just the sad plight of development? not to mention the poor scrub jays who are standing in the way of the land owners) Beverly |
Dear Beverly, Gopher tortoises are protected by the state and fall under the jurisdiction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC); scrub jays are federally listed under the Endangered Species Act which makes them the responsibility of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The real estate agent/owner can sell the land, but whomever buys it should be told that protected species occur there. They will have to get permits and pay mitigation costs to develop. It will not be cheap. They could even be denied permits for the jays, but that is rare. Below are the contact numbers for the FFWCC and USFWS offices in your area. I am not familiar with the "rules" regarding the responsibility of the real estate agent to inform potential buyers, but that is another avenue you might investigate.
FFWCC - Southwest Region
USFWS - South Florida Ecological Services Office Good luck. My best advice is be persistent and don't come across as being overly emotional. Get your facts together and present them to the appropriate people. Many times, the only thing that makes a difference is the efforts of a concerned citizen. |
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| Date: Mon, 12 Dec 2005 From: KEELY Subject: developement I live around an area of SW Fla that is being bulldozed at an incredible rate. Much of it is tortoise habitat. I know for a fact that these developers just go in and bulldoze without even knowing if there are tortoises living there or not. I'm trying to find out if these developers are required to inspect the land first for tortoises, and if not, how to get into law that they should be. Thanks, Keely |
Dear Keely, Gopher tortoises are legally protected by the State of Florida. Developers are required by the State, and often by the local county or city, to have a survey done to see if tortoise burrows occur on a site. If burrows are found, the developer must pay for a permit to either bulldoze the burrows (and presumably whatever tortoises are inside the burrows) or relocate the tortoises. However, if a developer goes in, bulldozes, and no one knows any better or says anything, they get away with it. Very often, the only thing that stops or catches the developer is a concerned citizen that takes the time to make the appropriate phone calls. The first step is to find out if an impending development has already applied for and received their permits. If not, call your Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regional office. Below is the link to the webpage so you can figure out which region is yours. Also contact the local government that would have jurisdiction over building permits in that area. If you can, gather evidence that the tortoises occur on the property (pictures, other credible witnesses). Be prepared to be frustrated, but persistence often pays off. Even if the property gets developed, at least the developer will have to pay for the permit, and the money will go to manage gopher tortoise habitat elsewhere in Florida that is already owned by the State and is safe. myfwc.com/aboutus/regnoffc.html |
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| Date: Thu, 03 Nov 2005 From: Gigi Subject: Gopher Turtle [in private development] Hello Becky: We recently discovered that we had a gopher tortoise living in our small back yard in our private development. I telephoned the Fish and Wildlife Commission in Ocala, FL and asked what to do about it. They told me to just leave it there. My problem is that we are now experiencing having a lot of poisonous snakes in our yard and they are also getting into our garage. We have many children in our neighborhood and we are all concerned about the snakes. So far, we have found 3 pygmy diamondback rattlers - one even in the next door neighbors pool, and 3 others that we could not identify. Can't someone come and relocate the turtle so that our gardener can fill in the burrow and keep the snakes out? Gigi, Leesburg, FL |
Dear Gigi, It is very unlikely that the snakes have suddenly shown up because there is one tortoise burrow in your yard. Just like the tortoise, the snakes have probably been displaced because of development. When they do not find suitable conditions (lots of ground cover, food, etc.), they will move on and probably get killed by someone or run over by a car. Tell the kids not to touch or harass any snake. Please don't be afraid of the tortoise and its burrow. You are lucky to have been chosen for its home, so enjoy! | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 03 Nov 2005 From: Krissi Subject: Florida Cooter Question I live fairly close to the Enchanted Forest (in north Merritt Island), and I have a question for you, but it isn't a Gopher Tortoise question. I went out my backdoor yesterday to take my dog for a walk, and there was a beautiful Florida Cooter laying eggs almost directly in front of me -- the front half of her body was over the porch and the rest of her over the hole! After taking my dog in another direction, I snuck up behind the cooter and took a look within the hole it had dug, and I saw one egg, but she could've been there for quite a while before I came outside. I left her alone, and pretty soon, she covered up the hole and took off. I've read your posts and know it's best to leave the eggs alone, but I did want to double check with you as our house is quite a ways from water (more than the 100 feet that www.turtlepuddle.org/american/cooter.html suggests, and there is a lot of brush to navigate to get to the water. I'm sure mama didn't have problems getting through because she was a good-sized turtle, but I fear for the babies, especially with possums, raccoons, and cats around. Anything I can do to secure their survival? I'm assuming they'll be born in 90-100 days, but since she gave birth rather late in the season, maybe longer? Any help would be suggested. Sincerely, Kris |
I am familiar with your area because I live near there, too. It is late in the season for egg laying, so my guess is that the egg was infertile and the female was simply getting rid of it. Just keep an eye on the spot and see what happens over the next few months, if anything. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2005 From: Kristyn Subject: gestation and mating how long is gestation for a gopher tortoise? all i can find is language that states "shortly after mating, eggs are laid..." i'd like to know how long my tortoise was pregnant. she just laid three eggs. we thought it was a boy! can it have mated with a much much smaller tortoise of another species? |
The first thing I have to tell you is that gopher tortoises are protected and cannot be kept in captivity without a permit from the appropriate state or federal wildlife office. Gestation takes between 80 and 90 days, depending on where you are located (colder climates take longer). Gopher tortoises will not typically mate with other species. If you are keeping a tortoise and do not have a permit, please write me back so we can figure out what to do. |
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| Date: Wed, 23 Nov 2005 From: Messbar2 Subject: Question [snakes] Hello, I live in an area of Florida that is densly populated with Gopher Tortoises. My little mini Dachshunds like to go in the holes and hunt the turtles or whatever else it is that may be lurking below. I discourage this. They only do it at night which makes it really inconvenient to try to coax them out in the dark. Anyhow, on October 8th my momma Dachshund (8years old) and her daughter (3 years old) went out and momma never came back. Usually if they are into something I can hear them barking, if it starts above ground anyways. Well they have never left the yard (13 acres) and I am sure whatever happened to her happened involving a Gopher hole. Oh and we live in a very untouched part of Florida where the snakes are plentiful. (Rattlers among others) My question is if She were to have been snake bit in a hole and were not eaten by the snake would the Gopher living there remove her remains from the den or move out or what? Do you have any idea? I really need some closure and if I even thought her remains may surface I would keep looking to have closure. Thank you, Michelle, Branford, Florida |
I am very sorry about your dog. The questions you ask are difficult, but I will give you my best guess. Dogs, especially dogs that mess with gopher holes and are in that type of habitat, often get bitten by venomous snakes. I don't think that if the dog died inside a gopher burrow that a tortoise would carry it out. In fact, the burrows usually used by snakes are not currently being used by a tortoise. Hopefully, you can train the rest of your dogs to stay out of the burrows and avoid snakes. There is professional training available; I have seen it advertised somewhere, but can't remember where. You might check on some of the hunting websites or in hunting magazines. |
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| Date: Sun, 27 Nov 2005 From: Joan Subject: Questions [human friendly] Hi. I have several questions: Are gopher tortoises considered 'bright' or 'simple minded' animals, or does anyone know? Can they become human friendly? Do they have good vision? Good hearing? One has established a burrow in my back yard. I once saw at a zoo very large tortoises being fed, so I offered similar raw vegetable and fruit scraps to this tortoise. I soon learned what items it likes and doesn't like. I have taken up eating some of my meals out in the yard near the burrow and 'chat' with her/him as it stares at me. Sometimes it will come very, very close to me (2 feet or less) to eat scraps as I throw them in its direction. Other times it freezes in place at a distance, staring at me, but will not advance to pick up the scraps. In fact, it will stay in this position for prolonged periods of time, not moving, even after I have gone in the house. It also seems to not be aware of food if it's not all in one pile/place. E.g., I will throw some grapes in it's direction and it will only go to one or two. |
Good questions. The first thing I have to tell you is that it is illegal to feed the tortoise. It is a protected species, and supplementing their food teaches them to depend on you instead of finding food on their own, which is not a good thing. I have attached a chapter from a training manual that has information for people who have tortoises take up residence in their yard. There are things you can do to make your yard an attractive, healthy place for the tortoise. The chapter is copyrighted, so use it for your own education only, please. Tortoises are evolutionarily ancient creatures and, like most reptiles, have small brains. They operate on instinct, not intelligence. They can learn to recognize humans as a food source, but they are not "warm, fuzzy pets" that will love you in return. They are motivated by the needs for food, shelter, and reproduction. They can see well, but "hear" the vibrations of sound through their shells. Some of the behaviors you describe, such as sitting in a particular position for a long period of time may happen because the tortoise is cold-blooded. Reptiles do not have sophisticated ways to control their body temperatures, so when they find a situation that is good for digesting food or other life processes, they have to take advantage of it. They will often bask in the sun to heat up, or hide in the burrow to cool off. I hope this has been helpful. The best thing you can do is adopt a "hands-off" approach, sit back, and enjoy. |
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| Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005From: donna Subject: [tortoise shell merchandise] Hi, I have a question regarding tortoise shell merchandise. I am currently vactioning in the Bahamas and have seen some beautiful Bahamian Tortoise shell jewelry, however I would not purchase it before knowing if the tortoises are killed for their shells. Could you let me know that? Many thanks! |
Your best bet to get a straight answer is to ask a customs official. Regardless, tortoises do not shed their shells, so the animal was either killed for its shell or the shell was taken after it was already dead. If you get a good answer from someone official, please let me know. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 16 Nov 2005 From: Heather Ann Subject: reptile data Dear Becky Smith, My name is Heather Doyle, and I am working with a team of scientists attempting to conduct a large scale quantitative analysis of global reptile population trends. My preliminary work suggests that reptile populations are declining but we require a much larger dataset before reaching that conclusion. We are looking for as many reptile population data sets as possible that have been collected from 1940- present. The criteria are minimal - reptile abundance 2 consecutive years or longer, no experimental manipulations, and there must be no change in the methodology, including search/capture effort, for obtaining the reptile population censuses. I noticed that you conduct conservation research on the gopher tortoise. If you happen to have abundance data on any reptile populations, would you be willing to include your data in this study? As well, do you know of anybody else who might have these kinds of data, especially outside of North America? Any help that can be offered would be much appreciated. If you have any questions or want additional details about the project please contact me. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank You, Heather |
Heather, I do not have any data sets that fit your criteria. However,look at the website I have listed below. There are hundreds of herpetologists associated with that organization (PARC) and they have a listserve for requests such as yours. I would contact them. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 16 Nov 2005 From: Ninette Subject: nest in backyard My Name is Ninette and I live in Port St Lucie Florida. My parents house has been a home for at least one or two gopher tortoises over the years. Now we have one that has laid some eggs right in our backyard. Just today as a matter of fact. My mom was a witness to the beginning and end of it. SHE ACTUALLY THOUGHT SHE WAS BUILDING A BURROW!!! Anyway, we were curious to know if there was anyway to help protect the nest from predators, or if we have to just let nature take its course. Please help us to help them! |
Hi Ninette, This is not typically the time that gopher tortoises lay eggs, so they are probably infertile anyway. Did she dig a hole or put them on top of the ground? I would just leave them alone (that is the law, but also the best for the tortoises), but keep an eye out for signs of hatching in about 80 days. If they do hatch, please let me know. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 15 Nov 2005 From: sweetweety Subject: [eat-drink] What do the gopher tortoises eat? How do they drink? |
Gopher tortoises are vegetarians. They eat low-growing herbs, flowers, seeds, and grasses. They get most of the water they need from their food, but I have seen them drink from puddles after it rains. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 16 Nov 2005 From: maguire1 Subject: Torts & turtles in general Hi there, I happen upon your Q&A page while doing a search and was very happy to find someone that is expert on Gopher torts. I often get questions and not being an expert on them look for outside help. I will certainly give the link to your page in the future. If I can ever be of any help with other species I do deal with quite a variety and with quite a few people that specialize in one specie or another. Thanks for the effort you put toward the torts. :-) Julie - NYS Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator Turtle Rescue of Long Island www.turtlerescues.com/ View our photos at: turtlerescues.com/gallery2/main.php www.picturetrail.com/maguire5700 Join our group: groups.yahoo.com/group/TurtleRescueLongIsland/join |
Julie, Thanks for the kind words, and especially for the offer of help. I get all kinds of questions about other species. Many times, I don't know the answer and have to go hunting, which is a good learning exercise for me. I will definitely add you to my list of resources. Your website is very nice, too. Our webmaster does the voodoo; I just answer the questions!! Feel free to email me directly anytime. Thanks. Becky | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 From: DWisner Subject: Mating behaviors of the gopher tortoise Hi. I work for a wildlife rehabber and we have a g. tortoise who we think may be showing signs of wanting to mate. (We have him since he is missing part of his jaw--we fine-chop his food, he is doing better). Two days ago he began what looked like excess salivation, profuse salivation, somewhat slimy. Also he looked to be urinating profusely. Are these mating behaviors? When we put him outside each day with the 3 females we are working with, he mounts them. What are the mating behaviors of the male g. tortoise? Thanks, Lisa, Altamonte Springs FL |
Male mating behaviors that I am familiar with include chasing a female, head bobbing, and attempting to mount. The salivation and urination may indicate a serious health problem. Please take the tortoise to a vet that has some reptile experience. Because tortoises are cold-blooded, it takes a long time for illnesses and infections to get bad enough to be obvious. He may be showing signs of problems that he has had since before you got him. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 From: Bobandjanet Subject: endangered hey i am michelle i am doing a project on gofer turtles are they endangered or however u spell it lol |
Hi Michelle, Gopher tortoises are federally listed as threatened in the western part of their range, and protected by the various states in the rest of the range. In Florida, they are listed as a species of special concern. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 06 Nov 2005 From: brick Subject: Possible Constipation We have a 2 year old Greek Tortoise. We live in Florida. He has been very healthy and active up until the past month. When I clean his enclosure I have noticed his droppings have decreased in frequency. He still eats but not as much as normal and he hides in his shelter more. He still looks good but I am very concerned. Please give me some advice. |
You need to take the tortoise to a vet or wildlife rehabilitator that has reptile experience. Because tortoises are cold-blooded, it often takes a long time for the effects of infections, diseases, or other problems to be obvious. Also look at the following websites and make sure that the temperature, housing, and diet that you are giving the tortoise are proper. Any of those could cause the tortoise to become ill after a couple of years. Please don't wait to do something, because by the time the tortoise looks sick, it will probably be too late to help. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 07 Nov 2005 From: Halljfox53 Subject: greetings [study the gopher tortise] id like to study the gopher tortise in the wildand am having problems locating any..im in washington county north of panama city fl can you tell me where i might find some burrows in my area? also when are they active....? thx james |
James, I am not familiar with that area of Florida. Please contact your regional office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to get the information and any permits you may need.
Northwest Region |
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| Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 From: Heather Subject: Gopher Tortoises in my yard I have at least two Gopher Tortoises living in my 1/4 acre yard. We have made arrangements with the fencing to allow them to get in and out and made a separate kennel to keep our dogs from bothering them. However, we have recently cleared out all the trees and low brush to make it an open grassy yard and I'm afraid we may have destroyed some of their food sources. I pretty sure they like the open yard better as they visit more frequently (one makes a daily 2:30pm cruise through the yard, you could set your watch to him) and the newest burrow inside the yard was dug after the clearing. Our thoughtful GT friend dug the new burrow next to a tree stump to save me the expense of having to hire a stump grinding company. We will be planting in the yard as time goes on and I'd like to be as considerate to the GT's needs as I can. One website I read mentioned blackberries and blueberries. I will do my best to include any suggestions you can make when I am choosing plants for our yard. I haven't touched them, so I'm not sure of their gender, but do they mate at a certain time of the year? I want to keep an extra eye on the dogs and watch my step if there are going to be little ones about. One other question, how strong are these creatures? I came home last week to find the walk-through gate to our 6 foot chain link fence had been lifted off the hinges and was laying on the ground. My first thought was that someone broke into our yard (we keep it locked), but I'm wondering if it was just a GT who was trying to get under the gate and lifted it enough to pop it off the hinges. |
Dear Heather, This is great, and it sounds like you are doing all of
the right things. Attached is a chapter from a training manual that
will help answer many of your questions; it includes a plant list.
There are many plants on the list, and the key is providing a diversity
for the tortoises to choose from. They typically mate in the spring and the eggs hatch about 80 days later. The exact timing depends on your latitude. I don't know what to say about your gate. My first reaction was "No way!", but I have seen tortoises do some amazing things. They are mini-bulldozers! |
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| Below is the result of your feedback form.
Thursday, November 10, 2005 name: Faniel Hallo , I need to know how many years live in average in the world, what health kind of Tortoise. Thanks, Faniel. |
There are many different kinds of tortoises and their health needs, feeding and temperature requirements, habitats, etc. vary widely. Here are some websites that may help you: www.hsus.org/wildlife/a_closer_look_at_wildlife/turtles_and_tortoises/ www.chelonia.org/care.htm exoticpets.about.com/cs/reptilesturtles/a/tortoises.htm |
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| Date: Tue, 01 Nov 2005 Subject: Do Gopher Tortoises? [prickly pear cactus] Do gopher tortoises have any special protection mechanisms for dealing with the spines on prickly pear cactus? Does their mouth or face get injured in the process? Seems silly, just trying to figure it out :) Thank you, Kristin |
Hi Kristin, That is a great question! Tortoises have scales that protect the soft parts of their face from the spines. The inside of the mouth is hard, not soft like ours, so the spines do not penetrate. I have seen tortoises chomp down on prickly pears with no problem. In fact, all parts of that plant (pads, fruit, flowers) are favorites. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 31 Oct 2005 From: PDAHERFORTH Subject: Gopher Tortoise Eggs After speaking with individuals at the State and National Wildlife Offices, I was finally informed by Mike Chambers at the NWS in Merritt Island WHY the eggs of a gopher tortoise cannot be moved. I have a nest in my driveway. We watched her lay the eggs on 10/29/05 and put a wire dog cage w/o a bottom over the nest once she left. We are unable to drive on our driveway now and would like to know what is the average gestation for the eggs? |
Hi, This is very interesting. It is incredibly late in the year for gopher tortoises to be laying eggs. Are you sure it was a gopher? Were the eggs laid on the ground or did she dig a cavity and lay them in it? It takes about 80 days for a nest to hatch, so that puts us into late January. Where do you live? Unless you are in south Florida, it is not likely that the eggs will survive the winter anyway. What is NWS? | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 24 Oct 2005 From: Marlene Subject: found hatchling gopher? I am in Brooksville, Florida and I found a hatchling all by itself. What can I do for it to make sure it has a safe longlasting life? |
The best (and legal) thing to do is take the hatchling back to where you found it and release it out of harm's way. Find a burrow or place it under vegetation or root stump so that it has shelter from weather and predators. Do this during the warm part of the day so that it has plenty of time to get safe and comfortable before it gets dark and/or chilly. There is no way we can say that it will have a longlasting life, but it knows much better than we do what it needs to be healthy. It is very important that it remains free so it can add to the population in the future. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 22 Oct 2005 From: Foxymoo2u Subject: when should my tortoise hybernate? Could you tell please at what age a do you hybernate a tortoise for the first time and how long should they hybernate for??? and where is the best place to keep him when he is hybernating?if you could help me i would appreciate it thankyou. |
What kind of tortoise is it, where do you live, and does the tortoise stay outside all year? | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2005 From: Sheila [Subject: baby in danger] I have found a baby gopher in the front yard yesterday a bird was trying to get it so I put him in a cooler with dirt and grass but I'm not sure the correct way to take care of him or rather I should just let him go he is small he fits in the palm of my hands and I am only 5'3. If you could please give me some information on the care I would be thankful, |
Please put the baby back near where you found it, but under some vegetative cover so it can hide. You might also look in the area for a small burrow; sometimes they will dig one. He will do best on his own, even with the predators out there. | ||||||||
| Date: mon, 17 oct 2005 from: arlinethequeen subject: (no subject) [babies eat?] what do they eat when the are babies? |
Tortoises are vegetarians and eat low-growing grasses and herbs. They may eat certain plants when they are young, but we do not have data on that. It is important to let them have access to a wide variety of plants so they can choose what they need to eat when. In other words, they do best free in the wild finding their own food, so if you are holding a baby tortoise, please let it go where you found it. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 17 Oct 2005 From: bobi Subject: Pet Store Tortoise Abuse Hi Becky. This is not a Gopher Tortoises only question, but I'm hoping you are still able to help. I have an 8 yr old Russian Tortoise that is part of our family. Recently, my family was relocated to a small town in Idaho, and I went to a local reptile petstore to purchase a new UVB bulb......and left utterly sick. This closet of a store had approx. 100 tortoises of all species, and they were stuffed into little buckets piled about 2 to 3 deep. The only torts that were in an aquarium (a 10 gal GLASS aquarium no less with a heat lamp and no UVB lighting or available water) were 8 little sulcatta's hatchlings. I have called every department. I can think of in this area, and have gotten nowhere. Are you aware of any watchdog groups or departments that I could report this to and get results? I am just sick at what I saw in there. He was feeding 2 Russian Torts crickets and iceburg lettuce - and told me that tortoises only need UVB lighting when they first come out of hibernation, not in captivity unless the owners want to hibernate them.....not to mention a 10 gal bucket with 2 to 3 torts in it! If you could point me in the right direction of who to report this pet store to I would certainly appriciate it. Thank you. |
Hi, I would suggest you contact the nearest chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). They should be interested in checking it out, or at least be able to give you some guidance. If there is a local herp society, that might be another avenue to try to get some support. A little public outcry can do wonders. Keep me posted. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 16 Oct 2005 From: Jim Subject: determining age How is the age determined? By counting growth rings on the carapace? Is this an accurate method? |
There is not a good, accurate method for determining age in a tortoise. The growth ring counting doesn't work because there is no guarantee that a tortoise lays down a ring every year. In warmer climates they may lay down more than one, and in colder climates, they may have less than one ring per year. Hatchlings can usually be distinguished from older juveniles by size and/or an scar on the plastron (bottom shell) from being attached inside the egg. Juveniles are soft-shelled until they reach about 5 years old, but that is also variable. Once they reach adult status, it is all guess work. They do continue to grow, albeit slowly, throughout their lives, so a really big tortoise is likely very old. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2005 From: Dvfonner Subject: Do/Can Gopher turtles swim? I am curious if it is common for gopher turtles to swim? |
They can swim for short distances (across ditches, etc.), but it is not their strong point. They are much better suited for crawling! | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 From: Linda Subject: baby tortoise Hi, I'm the Director for the Lowndes County animal shelter. A citizen brought this baby gopher T into our shelter. Can you sex them at an early age? This baby has a flat underside like a female. Our Vet will be taking this little one to his farm for release. |
 Tortoises cannot be reliably sexed until they reach, or are near, sexual maturity. That takes at least 10 years. The tortoise in the picture is definitely too small to have the sex determined. |
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| Date: Sun, 09 Oct 2005 From: Amy Subject: sulcata Whould like to no if thre is any plant life that should be avoided in feeding.Thank You Amy |
Tortoises are usually pretty smart about avoiding things they shouldn't
eat. Here is the address for a good, reputable website with a sulcata
care sheet. www.chelonia.org/Articles/sulcatacare.htm |
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| Date: Tue, 04 Oct 2005 From: GPurcell9 Subject: found one in georgia We found a gopher turtle and have him in our classroom. Is it legal to keep them in Georgia? |
The gopher tortoise is a protected species throughout its range, including Georgia. It is illegal for you to keep the tortoise. Besides, turtles are generally much more difficult to take care of than people realize. They have complicated dietary and housing requirements, and, because they are reptiles, they should be kept at particular temperatures and humidities. You could probably keep the tortoise alive, but it is doubtful that you could keep it healthy. Another problem is that if you have it in captivity, it will not get the chance to reproduce; we need all of the baby tortoises out there we can get. So, for lots of good reasons, you need to take the tortoise back to where you found it, put it out of harm's way, and release it. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 05 Oct 2005 From: DALLASSPANKY Subject: gopher turtles what do they eat |
Tortoises are vegetarians and eat low-growing grasses and herbs. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 04 Oct 2005 From: MissKittieInFl Subject: Gopher I wanted to know what I should feed a baby Gopher I have one in my yard and would like it to stay |
Gopher tortoises are protected and it is illegal to feed them or keep them enclosed. The best thing to do is make your yard attractive, and maybe it will stay. I have attached a chapter from a training manual that should help you. It is copyrighted material, so please use it for your own education only. Thanks. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 04 Oct 2005 From: Jackson Subject: Characteristics of tortoise Please i just want to know the characteristic of a TORTOISE. |
I think what you are asking me is "what makes a tortoise a tortoise"? The word tortoise is a layman's term (i.e., not scientific) for a turtle that spends its time on land. Because they do not live in the water, they have some physical traits that are different, such as claws suitable for digging in soil, and scales that help keep them from drying out in the hot air. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 02 Oct 2005 From: Russell Subject: gopher tortoise [hatching eggs] My husband and I was driving down the road, and we saw that someone had ran over a turtle. We could also see that she had eggs inside of her. So we turned around and picked the eggs out and brought them home and washed them off and buried them in sand in an old refriedgerator drawer. We found out how long it would take for them to hatch, there was 3 of them. Well, 1 has hatched believe it or not! My quistion is what do they eat when they first hatch. We live in south Ga and we know it's a gopher tortoise. We also know they are protected now since reading your site. Any help you can give us is appreciated. |
That is really incredible that one hatched. Keep watching, because the other two might as well. We really don't know much about what hatchlings do, but they will absorb the yolk sac on the belly for nourishment for the first few days. The best thing to do would be take the hatchling/s back to near where you saw the female, find a dry wooded area and release them out of harm's way. Put them into an adult tortoise burrow if you find any, or underneath vegetation where they can hide. After a while, they will dig their own burrow or find a place to hang out for a few years until they are bigger. It may feel like you are abandoning them, but they are much better at finding the proper food, temperature range, humidity, etc., than we are. Besides, we need all of the new tortoises out there that we can get. You have done very well for them, and it is time for them to take care of themselves. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 30 Sep 2005 From: Vickie Subject: gopher and desert tortoises is there difference between a gopher tortoise and desert tortoises? They look very similar. If there are differences, what are they? |
They are the same genus (Gopherus), but separate species (gopher is polyphemus and desert is agassizii). There are some physiological differences, and many ecological and behavioral differences. They are difficult to tell apart if you are not familiar with both. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 29 Sep 2005 From: Thebiter06 Subject: from kayla [male or female] How do tell between a male and female tortoise. |
The female's plastron (bottom shell) is perfectly flat, while the male's is slightly to very concave at the back end near the tail. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 29 Sep 2005 From: Cheryl Subject:[male or female] How can you tell if it is a male or a female because we have one living on our property. |
Females plastron (bottom shell) is perfectly flat, while the male's is slightly to very concave at the back end near the tale. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2005 From: Kandra Subject: Backyard Friend We discovered we have a new neighbor a gopher tortoise. We are not disturbing her, but my kids think it is neat that we have wild life in the yard. I have warned them that she might move on. I think that she has made her burrow under our shed. I was curious how long they stay in an area? Thank you. |
It is really difficult to predict what the tortoise might do. Typically, in the wild, they dig several burrows throughout their home range and use them whenever they are nearby. Some are only used during certain seasons; this may have something to do with the food resources in that particular spot. However, in suburbia and other "unnatural" situations, the tortoises often behave differently. They appear to have fewer burrows, maybe because there is not enough room to have many. So, it is difficult to say. Just enjoy watching the tortoise while it is there. Keep track of when it comes and goes, if it does, because it may very well come back at the same time next year. Have fun! | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2005 From: Kathy & Mickey Subject: [found baby] I just found a very young gopher tortoise. eyes closed still has part of cord . I only picked it up because it was on the road and ants were starting to attack. What can I do with it and what do I feed it? We have about 10 holes on our 20 acres and several on the 5 acres next door. Should I just return it and let nature take its course. |
The best thing to do is take it to one of the adult burrows on your property and let it go in there. Juveniles often use those for refuge until they dig their own burrows. The temperature, humidity, and food supply should be o.k., and certainly better than we can do trying to guess what the little guy needs. Thanks for saving it. Kiss it on top the head, wish it the best of luck, and set it free. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 20 Sep 2005 From: Dogs4cats9 Subject: hurt gopher tortise when coming home from work i seen a car swerve and hit a gopher tortise i pulled over and it was alive but the shell on the back is smashed in there is no blood coming from the mouth or anyplace else i put nepsporin on the shell to help with infection and put it out side in my screened in porch with roman lettuce what else can i do i would like to release it in the feild next door when i know other gopher tortises live any help will be great thanks |
The best thing you can do is get the tortoise to a wildlife rehabilitator. Reptiles are cold-blooded and contract infections very slowly. Their shell is an outgrowth of their bone, so any injury to the shell is serious. If you can't find a rehabber in your area, please write me back and I will help locate one. A vet with reptile experience would be fine as well, but they may charge quite a bit of money. Some vets will take care of wild animals free-of-charge, so it doesn't hurt to ask. Rehabbers typically work for donations. Please do not release the animal in the field next door. If you don't want to get medical attention for it, take it back to near where you found it and release it out of harm's way. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 20 Sep 2005 From: Gary Subject: 2 HEADED GOPHER In my yard I have several gopher turtles that wonder through and one that lives there. After mowing the lawn the other day we found a nest with some eggs and small turtles, we left the eggs alone but one of the gophers was hatched with 2 heads. I called fwc and all they want is a few pictures of it, did not give any advice on what to do with it. I have read that it will not survive in the wild because it can not retract into its shell all the way. Just wondering what i should do with it. In our yard we have about 15-20 new borrows between the front and back yard. The few that I have seen, seem fine, but I have a bounch of piles of dirt all over my yard. Let me know what you think I should do with it. |
 Gary, It probably would not last long in the wild; even normal hatchlings have about a one in one hundred chance of making it to reproduce. I would love to take it and have the permits I need from the Wildlife Commission. If I could get it eating, it would be quite the attraction for my educational talks at schools and festivals. If you are willing to give it to me, let me know where you are located and we can figure out how to get together. In the meantime, you might bring the little guy/girl/s inside to protect it from predators. Put it in a box with a moist sponge or cloth in one corner, out of the direct sun, and preferably in ambient temperature. Write me back!P.S. Great pictures! |
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| Date: Sun, 18 Sep 2005 From: Jodi Subject: Turtle [near road] We moved into this house about 3 months ago and I kept seeing this turtle near the road. We mowed the weeds along the road and found the turtles home. I am assuming this is a gopher turtle. Since it is near the road, what if anything can I plant closer to the back of the property so hopefully he will not get hit by a car. |
Gopher tortoises are legally protected, so you cannot relocate it. It looks like an adult tortoise and has likely been living near the road for a very long time. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 From: mab64 Subject: gopher tortoise [sun] I have a question about a gopher tortoise that has burrowed in our yard. It has been here about 3 months. We have a chain link fence so I am not sure if it can get out. It obviously got in by itself but maybe it wandered in through an open gate that isnt usually left open. I noticed that the information on the website said that they use several burrows. We see it out on the mound around the burrow daily so it isnt going to any other burrows yet. We lost our childrens playhouse during the hurricane last year and are going to rebuild. Of course it originally was right near the burrow. Right now the burrow gets sun all day long. If we build the playhouse near it (the playhouse is 5 ft off the ground) it would block the sun from the burrow. Would that cause a problem for it? |
Hi, Those are all excellent questions, and I hope this will help you. First of all, tortoises are mini-bulldozers, so a regular chain-link fence will not deter it from leaving if it wants. It will simply dig under. I can usually spot a "fence-in" gopher by the scratch marks on the top of its shell. In the wild, gopher tortoises do dig several burrows throughout their home range. However, in suburbia where conditions are more crowded and there is less habitat, it appears that tortoises have fewer, or even only one burrow. It is hard to say about your tortoise; if it has only been there three months, it may move on during another time of year because they will use different burrows (and habitats) during different seasons. It is hard to predict what shading the burrow will do. Obviously, it will affect the temperature at the burrow, but may not so much that the tortoise will care. If you are interested in keeping your new neighbor, I would try to put the playset somewhere else. |
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| Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2005 From: twiggy Subject: soft shell turtle hi im not 100% sure which type of soft shell i have but i am quite worried, i brought it last week and it seems like it is either shedding the outer layer of its shell or got a fungal infection. do soft shell turtles generally shed their skin or shell which ever is appropriate? and if it is common place is there any thing you recommend doing to help it along? |
It sounds as if your turtle has a health problem. I suggest that you take it back where you got it, if that is possible. If not, try to find a vet that has reptile experience or a wildlife rehabilitator to look at it. The problem could be disease, parasites, nutrition, temperature, light, water quality, etc. The best thing to do is get professional help. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2005 From: Wanda Subject: gopher turtle [ant bites] I found an injured gopher in my yard and the ants was eating him alive. I took him to the water hose and washed off the ants and I found several holes on his shell where it looked like an animal may have clawed him. I found a gopher hole on my property also but it was so far from where the gopher was, I just suspect it was his.? Anyway, what should I do for him? I called my fish and wildlife and they gave me another number to call and it was a dead end, no one really wanted to act on this! I am to tender hearted to let the poor creature just die of ant bites. Please help and soon! |
If the tortoise has injuries, the best thing to do is get it to a wildlife rehabilitator. What city/town do you live near and I can try to find someone for you to take the tortoise to, unless you can find one yourself. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 09 Sep 2005 From: Carol Subject: Gopher Tortoises - Adoption What a great website! I have been corresponding with Joan Berish with the FWC about giving a home to gopher tortoises who cannot be returned to the wild because of injury or sickness. Joan sent me the information about the "enclosure" requirements as well as informed me about the need to get a permit. I am willing to create an enclosure that fit the specs and get a permit. I honestly must say that I would prefer one (or two) who have been hurt and cannot return to the wild versus gophers with mycoplasma. To tell you the truth, I think it would break my heart knowing that my gophers would die soon - however, it would be nice to give these sick tortoises a nice home to enjoy while they can. I have a couple of questions please: 1. is mycoplasma contagious to humans, dogs, iguanas (we had a wild one in our yard) or lizards (we have lots of adorable lizards in the yard) 2. Joan indicated when we last corresponded that she knows of no injured gophers that need homes right now - do you know of any - or an organization that places them with homes. I will look forward to hearing back from you! |
The answer to your first question is no. So far, the only other species (besides desert tortoises) that has developed URTD from Mycoplasma bacteria is the box turtle. I do not know of any tortoises needing homes right now. Florida does not have an approved "adoption program". However, the laws governing the conservation and protection of gopher tortoises in this state are currently being overhauled. Adoption by citizens may become an option for animals that cannot be released into the wild for any number of reasons. You might consider writing or calling the Executive Direcector or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Ken Haddad, to express your support for an approved adoption program. The contact information is below:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
If you do end up being able to get a tortoise, having one that has tested positive to URTD does not mean that it would be dead very quickly. These tortoises often live for many, many years. |
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| Date: Tue, 06 Sep 2005 From: Nanny Subject: (no subject) [baby found] we have found a baby gopher turtle about 1 in. long what do they eat and who do we call about this??? thank you |
Hi, If the hatchling is only an inch long, it is too small to be a gopher tortoise. There are a few species of turtles that are that small when hatched, such as mud turtles. The best thing to do for the turtle is take it back where you found it and release it out of harm's way. They are much better at taking care of themselves than we are of trying to figure out how to do it well. Besides, keeping it in captivity will remove all of the reproductive potential that animal has for the future, and we need every single new turtle out there we can get. Try to place the turtle under some vegetative cover, not in the direct sun, but let it go during the day while it is good and warm. Are the feet of the turtle webbed? If so, it is probably a freshwater turtle that could be released into the water in a ditch or on the shore of a lake or borrow pit. If you have a digital picture you can send, I would probably be able to identify the species for you. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 05 Sep 2005 From: Greg Subject: County is disturbing habitat Who do I call to notify that there is a Gopher Tortoise living in the area? A while ago I wrote you that I had a GT living in the area, and I thought it was probably not a very good place for it to be living. I've followed your advice and left him alone however I cant say the same for the County. The area the GT is living, is a green space, or an easement between two housing developments that is very sandy and a former orange grove. The county has the responsibility for mowing, or at least keeping towering weeds under control. On a recent visit they parked their truck on top of the GT's entrance and collapsed his burrow. They proceeded to mow the area. I came home to find the area all mowed, went to check on the GT and found his home collapsed with tire tracks over the sand. I immediately got a spade and began to dig, and finally opened up the tunnel to what seemed like a larger underground cavern. I could only hope that he was still alive and had not ran out of oxygen. A few days later I noticed fresh footprints and skid marks where the GT had been coming and going. I felt relieved that he survived but I need to notify the county that there is an endangered species living in the area so I don't have a repeat. I live in Polk County.. whom should I contact? |
Thank you for all of your efforts. Somewhat frustrating, isn't it? I suggest you call the Polk County Natural Resources office (contact info below) and tell them. They will have to get the lawnmower folks to stop parking and mowing over the burrow, but will probably have an easier time making that happen than you will. It probably wouldn't hurt for you to put a couple of little flags on sticks or pvc pipes with flagging near the burrow to mark it. The mowers were probably clueless that it was there. Make sure not to put anything in front of the entrance where the tortoise sees it when he's coming out.
If the County Natural Resources people do not respond satisfactorily, tell them you are going to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (contact info below as well). Get the County person's name that you talk to and document when you call, etc. Gopher tortoises are protected by the State as a species of special concern, and the County is responsible to uphold those laws, especially when it is their own people breaking the laws. When you call the County, just state the facts of the situation (without getting angry, yelling, or being emotional) and they should respond appropriately. (Forgive me for telling you how to behave, but I have seen well meaning people be completely disregarded by government officials/employees because of the way they handle the situation. You are right to inform them of the circumstances and have options if they choose not to comply with the laws.) This should make you feel better: There have been several studies that show that tortoises can easily dig out when their burrows are collapsed and that they can live in a collapsed burrow for many, many weeks. I am more concerned that the mowers will hit the tortoise when he is out feeding. When you talk to the County Natural Resources people, tell them to ask the mowers to watch for tortoises outside burrows. They should look around for them before starting to mow. Good luck and let me know if you hit a brick wall, or if things go well.
Natural Resources - Admin Office
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Southwest Region |
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| Date: Thu, 04 Aug 2005 From: Jean Subject:[get a permit?] How do I get a permit to relocated a gopher tortise? |
All you need to know is on this website: myfwc.com/permits/Protected-Wildlife/permits.html#gophertortoise |
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| Date: Sat, 06 Aug 2005 From: Elaine Subject: [Gopher tortoise?] I found this tortoise in my yard in Rockledge. My husband says it's a gopher tortoise. Is he right? I just let him be (he quickly disappeared into the brush) since we know he's protected. |
 Elaine, Your husband is right. It's a gopher. Thanks for letting him go. You wouldn't believe how many people take them and put them in pens or the garage, etc. Hopefully, he will go on about his tortoise business and will stay out of trouble. |
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| Date: Fri, 05 Aug 2005 From: Pamela Subject: [Is this a Gopher Tortoise?] Please find the attached picture and advise if this is a gopher tortoise. My husband found it in the parking lot a work. He brought it home and we have been feeding it lettuce. It is about 3 inches long. If you think it is a gopher tortoise, should we just put it back in the area we found it? |
 Hi, Yes it is a young gopher tortoise (1 -2 yrs. old). They are legally protected, so please take it back to where you got it and release it. Look for some natural habitat around the parking lot and put it in a burrow or underneath some vegetation so it is covered and not visible to predators. It is difficult to turn such a small, helpless thing loose, I know, but it is really the best thing to do for the tortoise. Hopefully, he will grow up and make more tortoises. |
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| Date: fri, 05 aug 2005 from: ops Subject: [Horsefield Tortoise] im thinking of buying a horsfield tortoise out off the paper. The tortoise is 10 yrs old, but her shell looks a bit flat at the back and has a very long nose and her nails are very long, can you give me any imfo on her |
The tortoise does not sound like it is in particularly good shape. Here are some websites that might help you decide. www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/horsfield.html www.v-e-t-s.co.uk/horsefield_tortoise.htm p066.ezboard.com/fasrasouthwalesreptilegroupfrm9.showMessage?topicID=2.topic |
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| Date: Thu, 04 Aug 2005 From: Louise Subject: re: Gopher Tortoise Removal I am not certain who can help in this situation. I found your email address and thought you might be able to give me some guidance. I work in a warehouse in Central Florida, behind which is a thriving gopher tortoise colony. Many mounds are visible and ocassionally the gopher tortoises will leave the sandy, hilly area they live in which borders the property and traverse the paved parking area used by employees in this building. They like to nibble on the grass found in the small islands between the parking space sections. My coworkers and I have seen all sizes -- from larger adults to small babies to medium-sized tortoises. It appears there are several generations thriving in this colony. A few months ago one of the larger tortoise females was crushed as it unfortunately got under an SUV. The driver did not intentionally kill the tortoise, they just did not know it was under the tire when they started leaving the parking lot. Every day there are large delivery trucks, dumpster emptying trucks, supply trucks, not to mention the 50 or so cars from the people who work here, that run through this parking lot. It is a miracle more tortoises do not get killed. The worst thing I have witnessed lately is when large trucks actually drive right onto and over the gopher tortoise colony. Today, they are resurfacing the parking area closest to the gopher tortoise colony and they set all the very large and heavy dumpsters right on top of the tortoise colony! A coworker of mine who, like me, loves the gopher tortoises, tried to reassure me today that the tunnels in their mounds are extensive enough in this area, to where they can just tunnel under and ignore all the commotion going on above them. I wonder if this is the case. I would like to ask your recommendations on this matter. My position is that I care deeply for the gopher tortoises and am concerned they | |||||||||
