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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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The Gopher Tortoise Q & A is being resumed going backwards from 2009. It will take some time to do all of the entries. NEW -- 2009 Ask the Expert |
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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 are being inundated with too much commotion and situations that can endanger their well being in the current scenarios. I wondered if finding someone to remove as many of the tortoises as would be possible is a solution. Maybe by relocating some of the animals, the population here would be reduced and therefore they would have more space and have less chances for being hurt or killed. It would probably be difficult to get them all as who knows the lengthy extent of their tunnels, but maybe we could save at least some of them. Any advice or commentary you can offer is appreciated. I thank you sincerely for your time and consideration. |
Dear Louise, The situation you describe is all too familiar. As we take more and more of the natural habitat, wildlife is forced into crowded quarters and usually lose out in the end. You probably will not find my advice very satisfying, but it is the best I can do. Perhaps you and others of like mind could improve the habitat in the natural area so the tortoises are not so interested in going to the parking lot. I have attached a chapter from a training manual that might give you some ideas. It is copyrighted material, so please use it for your own education only. Doing anything on that property would also require owner permission, and lots of people are not the least bit interested in encouraging tortoises to stay on their land. Putting up a barrier of some sort may also help. Even if some of them dug under it, tortoises are generally lazy and a barrier might be enough to discourage most of them. Regarding the trucks driving on burrows, etc. I have listed two websites below that have lots of good tortoise information, including legal protection status. You should be able to tell someone in charge that laws are being broken, and hopefully, that will be the end of it. If not, contact your regional office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:
Northeast Region, Dennis David, Regional Director If you do not feel comfortable doing that, should it become necessary, let me know and I will. |
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| Date: Mon, 01 Aug 2005 From: Carl Subject: Russian Tortoise interval between mating and egg-laying? Hi... my girlfriend has a pair of Russian Desert Tortoises and witnessed them mating tonight. Interestingly, there was a tiny, empty bottle of Russian vodka found in the corner of their enclosure and no one seems to know where it came from ;-) In all seriousness, any clue as to the frequency of successful matings, and the interval between mating and egg-laying in these torts? Should we be knitting little booties any time soon? |
You are so funny!! Did you find any cigarette butts afterwards? Here is a website with lots of good information on Russian tortoise reproduction and general care. It looks like you will have a few months to get the booties ready. Good luck and congratulations. www.tortoise.org/archives/russ.html |
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| Date: Sat, 30 Jul 2005 From: thomas Subject: question on incubation of red-eared sliders thank you for running the site. This is not a gopher turtle question, but... on mothers day I saw two different turtles in our yard laying eggs. They must have come up the hill from the creek in the back. It was an overcast day and had been raining and the ground was soft and afterwards the location had been covered up and you would never know it was a nest if you hadn't been watching. We live in Austin texas and it gets very hot here and the location was in a spot which gets a lot of direct sun. By the middle of summer (now) the ground is pretty hard. I have placed a little bit of brush over the spot to shade it and mark it. My quesitons are (1) Give the hot temperatures here when would i expect the eggs to hatch. I read that it can be anywhere from two months to ten months, but that was Los Angeles and not nearly the weather as Ausitn. (2) is it common for such turtles to lay eggs in the direct sun? Maybe the turtle woudl not have selected that spot if it had been a sunny day. should I do anything to help other than keeping away cats and dogs. water it? shade it? remove the brush I put on top? (3) any signs to watch for to indicate the impending hatching? we would like to see them come out if at all possible. thanks. |
You ask lots of good questions and some of my answers will have to be vague without knowing exactly what species of turtle you have. My best piece of advice is to not do anything (i.e., no watering, brush, etc.) because the turtles know what they are doing. Many species have temperature-dependent sex determination (the temperature of the substrate where they are incubating determines if the young hatch as males or females), so the adults have evolved to pick just the right spot for the nest to produce the proper sex ratio. I would look for the eggs to hatch within three months, depending on species and your location. In my experience, there is no sign that hatching is soon. Apparently, some predators (raccoons) can tell, probably by hearing the hatched babies crawling around in the nest chamber waiting for their brothers and sisters before emerging. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 30 Jul 2005 From: Barb and Art Subject: ticks 4 years ago I found a baby gopher tortoise that had eye problems ( His eyes froze because he was hatched in the severe freeze we were having, this was according to the authorities I called in Hernando County ) Well, long story short - we nursed him back to health ( yes, he can see ) and has made a home in our yard. As a matter of fact, he has now started digging his second burrow!! He was feeding in the yard today and I went out to visit with him and I noticed he was holding his right front leg in the air. Upon closer inspection I noticed an engorged tick on his leg. I fought like heck to pull the tick out and I think I got the head out. Of course "Baby D" was not happy with me. Do you think that his leg might get infected? I sure do worry that perhaps I didn't do the right thing but I know that ticks carry disease and can paralyze animals. |
We often see tortoises covered with many ticks. Just one tick is probably not dangerous and the animal should be fine. I am glad that you are enjoying your neighbor, but I have to tell you that gopher tortoises are a protected species. It is illegal to mess with them in any way, even to help them. Try to let him go about his tortoise business with as little interference as possible. I have attached a chapter from a training manual that has good information you might be able to use. It is copyrighted material, so please use it for your own education only. |
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| Date: Mon, 29 Aug 2005 From: Lisa Subject: gopher tortoise seen! I live in Malabar (south of Melbourne, FL) on 5 acres of pine and scrub flatlands which is covered in saw palmettos and lots of other native plants. Recently we have been seeing a gopher tortoise coming into the area near our house; he eats a little and then wanders off again. My children and I are enjoying watching him from a distance. We think he is a male (we saw a slight curve underneath him one day when he was walking on some sand) and he is a big one - definitely an adult. We have been trying to keep our property as native as possible and do things to help the wildlife without disturbing it. After all I feel like we are living in their habitat!! I noticed that you have mentioned in several of your answers a "training manual". Do you teach a class or workshop on gopher tortoises? What can I do to help out with our tortoise? We have recently had a dirt road put in beside our property and the contractor was not plant or animal friendly!! But I noticed yesterday that "our" gopher crossed over this dirt road to get to the other side. By reading your other emails I think this might mean that his habitat has been split by the road. I would like to encourage him to make more of his home on my property. What plants can I put in for him? And could I supply any areas of water or cover for him? Part of our property has a stream and wetlands on it; so combined with the palmettos I would think this is an ideal place for him. Months ago we also saw an old (abandoned?) burrow so I hope this means we will have lots of gophers around. Any advice you could give us would be wonderful. |
Hi Lisa, I do not teach classes myself, but have a friend that teaches agency people and consultants about how to do research and surveys with tortoises. I have attached a chapter from his manual. It is copyrighted, so please keep it to yourself. Below is the website for his organization (Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative) and an address for the Gopher Tortoise Council. Both have lots of information that I think you will enjoy. www.ashtonbiodiversity.org/gtci.php www.gophertortoisecouncil.org/index.htm |
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| Date: Sun, 28 Aug 2005 From: Kelly Subject: Gopher Turtle in Hurricane Season We have a gopher turtle that showed up right before Hurricane Dennis and has been happy in our yard now for over a month. The kids are attached to him now and I would hate for any harm to befall him if we could prevent it, which brings a dilemma during hurricane season. I am concerned not only for his safety, but also the possibility of him becoming a projectile during hurricane force winds. Is there anything we can do to help shelter him during the worst of the storms when they hit? |
If what you have is a gopher tortoise, then there should be a burrow or two around that he has dug. When bad weather hits, that is where he will go. Gopher tortoises have been around a very long time and evolved with hurricanes, as well as fire, drought, flooding, etc. If a hurricane is coming toward you, the tortoise's safety can be the least of your worries. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 28 Aug 2005 From: robert Subject: Found gopher Hi I found a baby gopher turtle in my front yard.He seems to be healthy and alright but we kept him. Is that alright that I kept him because I live in eastern florida? I also wanted to know how to take care of him can you tell me? |
It is not alright to keep him. Please take him back to where you found him and release him immediately. There are several good reasons for this. First of all, gopher tortoises are a protected species and it is illegal for you to have him in captivity. It is also bad for the tortoise because taking care of him is difficult. They have very specific food, heating, humidity, etc., requirements. You may be able to keep him alive, but not healthy. If you are lucky, he will live 60 -70 years, at least, so what happens when you get tired of him or you move or die? How will he find a mate and reproduce to make more gopher tortoises (which we desperately need out there) if he is living in your house or yard in a pen? So, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do the right thing and let him go. Thank you. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 27 Aug 2005 From: Rose Subject: Painted turtle Have a painted turtle from birth. The shell seems to be getting soft. Is this normal? If not can I do anything to help it by food? |
The shell should not be getting soft, but I can't tell you for sure what the cause might be. Diet is one, but so is temperature, water quality, light - you see my point. If you can find a vet or wildlife rehabilitator that knows about reptiles, I would ask them to look at the turtle, or if you have a local herp society, check with them. Here are a couple of websites that might be useful (although they won't take the place of actually talking to an expert): www.chelonia.org/Articles/chrysemyscare.htm www.tortoise.org/general/watcare.html |
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| Date: Sat, 23 Jul 2005 From: Raissa Subject: Is this a gopher??? This tortoise showed up in my front yard last night. I live in a busy little neighborhood in Louisiana. I would like to know what kind of tortoise it is and what it is doing here. I live in south Louisiana. It is not exactly tortoise habitat. There are many rivers, lakes, bayous, marshes, and swamps in the area. The ground here isn't exactly dry either. Most of the land is made of clay and mud. I am not sure what to do with this tortoise. It is currently in my backyard. I looked at pictures on the internet and I think that it may be a desert tortoise or a gopher tortoise. Thanks for any help you can give me. |
 Dear Raissa, It looks like a gopher tortoise to me, and they are native to extreme southeastern Louisiana. If you are located in extreme southeastern Louisiana, I suggest you release the tortoise near where you found it out of harm's way. They are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act in your area and it is illegal for you to have it or mess with it in any way. If you do not feel like you can release it, I would call your state wildlife agency at 225/765-2346 and get advice from them as to what to do. If that doesn't work, write me back and I will work on more options. |
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| Date: Sat, 23 Jul 2005 From: LvBbBLoO Subject: [boy or girl] how can i tell if my desert tortoise is a boy or a girl |
The plastron (bottom shell) of a male is concave near the tail. The female's plastron is perfectly flat. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2005 From: "N. J." Subject: Lots of House Guests! Hi, my family & i just bought our dream home on 1.25 acres. It was originally a wooded lot and the previous owners had the house moved to the land. We have been in the house for only one month. We woke up our first morning to find a 8" Gopher Tortoise peeping in our french doors. We were surprised and delighted but had no idea at the time that it would not be our last encounter. It has turned out to be a daily sighting of not just one Gopher Tortoise, but at least 6 different Gopher Tortoises ranging from 6" up to 12" in size. We have several burrows on our property and more appearing weekly. For all the land we have, the Gopher Tortoises have made all their burrows within a 10' radius of the house. We were wondering if it was normal for Gopher Tortoise to be so fearless of humans and other creatures (dogs)? They don't seem at all bothered by our presence and infact make daily visits right up to the back and front door of the house. The other day we came home to find the 12" Gopher Tortoise sitting right on our front door stoop clawing at the door as if he wanted in. We took a picture as we knew none of our friends would believe us. We are animal lovers and know not to feed wild creatures, but i am curious why these tortoises are so obsessed with us? Do Gopher Tortoises nest in the same area every year? Maybe our house was moved ontop of their nest site! Thank you - Nusi - Orlando, FL |
Dear Nusi, What a terrific situation you have. It sounds like these animals must have been fed before or had other encounters with people, because they are not typically so fearless. Nests are usually laid in the apron of a burrow (sandy spot in front of the mouth of the burrow). Even if the house was placed on top of some burrows, the tortoises would dig other burrows elsewhere and would not insist on trying to find the old ones. I have attached a chapter from some training materials that should help you. This information is copyrighted, so please use it for your own education only. Below are a couple of websites that you might enjoy. Best of luck and feel free to write me back. www.gophertortoisecouncil.org/index.htm - Gopher Tortoise Council www.ashtonbiodiversity.org/gtci.php - Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative |
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| Date: Tue, 12 Jul 2005 From: Jani Subject: Gopher Turtles - can they cause serious damage? Hello - I have a question. A friend of mine has what he thinks is a gopher turtle - what kind of damage can they do? Can they destroy for example a sprinkler system enough to where it can cause it to stop working? Can they be fed or should it be left alone, does he call animal control - whatever this thing is, it is causing a huge hole under a fence and into the yard - causing the earth to some what sink - it is also burrowing it's way smack into the well pump. Any suggestions, answers, ideas will be appreciated so I can pass this information along. Thank you, Jani |
Dear Jani, There are several animals that will do what you are describing, including gopher tortoises. Gopher tortoises are legally protected throughout their range, federally under the Endangered Species Act, or by the various states, so you cannot move it or harm, harass, etc., in any way without a permit. It is doubtful that the tortoise will cause any serious damage to structures. Once they hit something hard under the ground, they will stop digging or dig around. Tell your friend that if it is a tortoise, it is a lucky thing and to sit back and enjoy!! | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2005 From: Gary Subject: Can you keep them? Dear Turtle Expert I was wondering if it was legal to keep a baby gopher turtle, if you know the answer, please write back! From, Turtle sitter |
Gopher tortoises are legally protected throughout their range, either federally under the Endangered Species Act or by the various states. If you still have the baby, please take it back where you got it and release it out of harm's way. Feel free to write me back if you need information or help figuring out the best way to do this. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 07 Jul 2005 From: TandKsMom Subject: What do Gopher Tortoise Eat? Hi my name is Angela I am from Citrus County Florida, We have 3 or 4 Gopher Tortoise in the wood next to our house. They graze on out grass but now that I have to cut the grass 2 X a weeks they are not grazing as much.. I wanted to know if there are any plants I can plant for them to have more to graze on. My kids love to sit and watch them eat and we take photos of then as well. Thanks for the help |
Hi Angel, The tortoises should like the newly cut grass. It is more tender than old grass. Maybe they are just not out as much right now because it is so hot. I have attached a chapter from a training manual that has good information for you, including a list of plants that tortoises are known to eat. The material is copyrighted, so use it for your own education only, please. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 07 Jul 2005 From: fnljoy Subject: tortoise O my god it's so cute |
I know. You gotta love 'em!! | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 07 Jul 2005 From: Annie Subject: Question on Gopher Turtle...[male/female] How can you tell the difference between a male and a female Gopher Turtle? Can you send pictures? |
 The plastron (bottom shell) of the male is concave at the back end. The female's plastron is perfectly flat. Pictures attached.  |
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| Date: Wed, 06 Jul 2005 From: umar Subject: HELP!!! [from Pakistan] Hello, i'm an 18 yr old boy living in Pakistan and my home is at the coast. I have three gopher tortoises who laid eggs 5 yrs ago and they had 8 kids but they slowly died painfully. they seemed to swell up and their colour changed to yellow. Now i think that they are again about to give eggs so my question is that what are the necessery conditions for the newly hatchlings and what is their diet. I heard that they are to be kept in a fish tank with newspaper shreddings to act as ground and also use a sun lamp but i know that you are the expert so please answer my question as i will be eternely grateful. |
Have you gotten eggs yet? Can you tell me the scientific name of the tortoise that you have (genus and species)? Gopher tortoises are native to the southeast U.S. only. If you don't know the scientific name, can you send me a picture? | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 From: michell Subject: gophers [as neighbors] I have at least 15 gopher tortise on my land that my husband and I just bought . We LOVE them and do not want anything to happen to them. My kids are just amazed with them. We try to make sure they are ok. We have caught them and claened the ticks off of them and made sure they are healthy. We love to see them. We have even seen a baby one. This is just amazing to us. We would like to find out more about them and we have been told that there is a federal progeam to help you with them. Can you direct me in that direction? We have made sure they have plenty to eat and no harm, to come to them. They are just amazing animals. They live so long and are so strong and free. Like I stated they are NO problem to us we want to see about getting help for them. I thank You, Michell |
Dear Michell, It is so nice to hear from someone that has gopher tortoises and is so enthusiastic about it. The first thing I must tell you is that they are a protected species, and the level of protection varies depending on your location (federal under the Endangered Species Act or state-protected in the rest of the range). The laws state that you cannot harm, harass, kill, or mess with them in any way. This includes picking off ticks and feeding them. However, there are lots of things you can do on your property that will benefit the tortoises and help keep the population healthy and reproducing (the young one is a very good sign). I have attached a chapter from a training manual that contains good information that you can use, including a list of plants that gopher tortoises are known to eat that you can plant for them. The material is copyrighted, so please use it for your own education only. Also, here are some websites that you can look at that will explain much about gopher tortoise biology and how you can be a good steward of your land for conservation. www.gophertortoisecouncil.org/index.htm - The Gopher Tortoise Council www.ashtonbiodiversity.org/gtci.php - Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative www.parcplace.org/index.html - Partners for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Feel free to write me back if you have further questions. Congratulations on your good fortune, and enjoy!! |
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| Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 From: Sheryl Subject: age Is there any way to tell the age of a gopher turtle? |
Getting an exact age on a tortoise is very difficult. When they are hatchlings or very young, you can tell because they are small and the shell is typically orange and soft. At around five years of age, the shell is hard and has become increasingly brown. After that, the growth rate depends on many things, such at latitude (they grow slower in the northern parts of the range) and diet. I usually just classify them into these categories: hatchling, juvenile, subadult, and adult. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 From: JSloan Subject: gopher tortoise [hissing] Do gopher tortoises make a hissing sound when angered? |
Gophers make a hissing sound when they are startled or afraid and pull their heads into the shell. This is not because they are angry, but because the air is forced out of the lungs when the head comes in. Thanks for the good question. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 21 Aug 2005 From: Gisela Subject: Gopher in my back yard [competition] We built our house in Sebastian about two years ago. There were vacant lots with dense vegetation on both sides of our lot, and many more just like it in the neighborhood.There is a ditch in back of the lots. Shortly after landscaping our yard, and trying to use as many native plants as possible to create a more "natural" environment rather than a manicured yard, a gopher turtle made its' burrow in the back. We love it, and attempt to make our neighbour as comfortable as possible by not disturbing the surroundings. We named it "Lucky", and it is doing well. We noticed other, larger gophers crossing our yard or street. As a matter of fact, I noticed once a larger gopher trying to get into Lucky's burrow. It was too big and didn't maket it Lucky was close by. Now the lots on both sides of our home have been cleared for construction. The larger gopher survived but seems to have a small crack in the shell near the neck area. It seems totally confused, frantic and fearless, approaching anything that moves. What should we do?. I informed the builder and the local building department when clearing began, that there was a gopher's burrow on the property. I don't see that anybody cared. Can the larger gopher take up residency with Lucky?. Being larger, will it evict Lucky from its existing home? What do they do in a case they lost their burrow to development? Any suggestions or help is appreciated. We don't want to loose Lucky. Regards, Anna |
Dear Anna, Your story is all too common. It is great that Lucky is with you, but it is hard to predict what might happen. In the wild, where they have plenty of room to roam, gopher tortoises dig many burrows throughout their home range. However, I have seen tortoises use only one burrow in more urban conditions where the amount of habitat is limiting. The larger tortoise may dig a new burrow, find another of his old ones, or he may try to move in and kick Lucky out. If that happens, hopefully Lucky will just dig another burrow nearby in your yard. The laws governing burrow destruction are different in each state. If you tell me your county and state, I may be able to give you more information. Attached is a chapter from a study guide that was written by a friend of mine. It has a plant list and other things that you will find to be helpful. The material is copyrighted, so please use it for your own education only. |
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| Date: Mon, 22 Aug 2005 From: Mickey Subject: Turtle/tortoise Can you tell me what kind of turtle/tortoise this is. Over the years I have seen several on my property near Poplarville, MS. This one was seen yesterday in a sandy wooded area after a rain. |
It is a box turtle. Thanks for the pictures; that makes identifying it easy.
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| Date: Tue, 16 Aug 2005 From: Ted & Karen Subject: protection laws Since the Florida Gopher Turtle has been put on the "species of special concern" list instead of the "endangered" list are there still laws protecting them? If so, where can I find the laws and the penalties for violations? In the last couple of years an influx of ATV's and off road motorcycles from nearby cities have been coming to the country, rural area where we live and are destroying their burrows, habitat and the turtles themselves. I'm also seeing the number of many species that were once plentiful only a few years ago drastically decline or like the armadillo, completely disappear. Thank you, Ted & Karen |
Dear Ted and Karen, The laws governing the protection of gopher tortoises are specific to your location. In some parts of the range, tortoises are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act. In the rest of the range, they are protected by the various States, and the policies differ. Visit the Gopher Tortoise Council website for maps of ranges and other useful information. One avenue you might explore is your local government. Some counties have good protection measures for wildlife. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 16 Aug 2005 From: Cindy Subject: Territorial GT We have had a gopher turtle for about 5 months that has made him/her a home behind our house. Recently (within the past 2 months) she/he has become extremely protective of any things that even walks 20 feet from the burrow. Our dog lives in the back yard as well and is very passive for other creatures but the turtle will come charging out of the hole hissing and snapping. I think our dog is more scared that the turtle is of the dog. Are gopher turtles that territorial or is a female protecting eggs. We don't mess with the turtle so we can't determine the sex. Thank you. Krystle |
Hi Krystle, Sounds like an entertaining situation. Gopher tortoises are typically only territorial toward other gophers. However, they are not smart; they operate strictly on instinct, not intelligence. The tortoise may think your dog is another tortoise. Males and females will display the charging and hissing behaviors, and may bob their heads at the "intruder". They rarely bite, so your dog will be fine. In fact, when tortoises fight, they usually just try to turn each other over onto the back, which can be fatal in extreme heat or cold. Tortoises, as with most reptiles, do not show parental care. My advice is make sure the dog doesn't suddenly find courage and harms the tortoise, and sit back and enjoy the show. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 14 Aug 2005 From: Marc Subject: Gopher? Could you tell me if this is a gopher tortoise. i have seen it in my yard for some time now, but am not sure what type it is could you please reply to inform me. Thank You attached are the pics that i have taken hopefully they are good enough to tell. |
 Yes, it is a young gopher tortoise. |
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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. |
 Score one for your husband. It is an adult gopher tortoise. Thanks for just letting it go on about its business. |
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| Date: Thu, 04 Aug 2005 From: BUGZ10 Subject: hey [eat] what do they eat. |
A wide variety of low-growing herbs and grasses. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 31 Jul 2005 From: Greg Subject: What to do? While walking my dog, I found a giant hole.. which has a big Gopher Tortiose inside it. The problem is, it's probably not a very good place for the tortiose to have taken up residence. Is there someone I could call to have a conservation person come and relocate it or should I just leave him alone? |
The best thing for the tortoise (and the legal thing to do) is leave it alone. If the area is developed, the tortoise is probably the remnant from a population that has died out. Tortoises can live 60 -70 years in the wild under good conditions. Just enjoy him on your walks, move him out of the road if you see him there (back to his burrow), and wish him luck living out his days undisturbed, fat, and happy! | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2005 From: Raissa Subject: Gopher Tortoise Pics [Louisiana] I sent you some pictures over the weekend of a tortoise that I thought was either a gopher tortoise or a desert tortoise. I called a local zoo and sent them the pictures. It was identified as a gopher tortoise. I found the tortoise in my yard in southern, coastal Louisiana. I know that this area is out of the gopher tortoise range, so I contacted the Audubon Society. Miss Ma'am (that was what we called her) now lives at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans with some other gophers.I took some more pictures and a film of her eating. I was wondering if you would be interested in these. |
Dear Raissa, A story with a happy ending! Good job, and thanks for caring enough to take your time and do a good thing. I would love to see the pics and film. Thanks. |
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| Date: Mon, 25 Jul 2005 From: Robert Subject: Tortoise advice [back yard] Hi - I live in Atlanta GA and found a tortoise in my back yard. I've been checking on line and believe that it may be a gopher tortoise but all of the information that I can find says that they are in southern Georgia. I live in a very busy area of town and would love for the tortoise to stay in my yard where he would be safe. I also see that I am not allowed to touch or feed them. My yard is fenced in and I don't know how or when he got there. I'm concerned that it may have been someones pet. I'm trying to positively identify it. What can i do? Could I plant things that it would like to eat? Could I prepare an area in my yard to encourage it to stay? |
The best thing for the tortoise is to call your local office of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Ask for a biologist and tell them what has occurred. I am not very familiar with the laws in Georgia, but the DNR biologist shoud be able to help you. If not, write me back and we will try another route. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 22 Jul 2005 From: Julie Subject: [African Spurred] My teenage brother is off to college and he wants me to adopt his African Spurred Tortoise. I'm willing to do it, but only if he can be kept in a pen outside. Would he be o.k. outside in South Florida year round? |
Julie, Sulcatas are not my specialty, that is for sure. Here are three good websites that will help you with specific care information. Tortoises are great to keep if you do it right, but it by no means easy or cheap. My advice is to think about it very seriously before commiting. Becky www.sdturtle.org/AFRICAN%20SPURRED%20TORTOISE%20CARE%20SHEET.htm tortoisetrust.org/care/csulcata.html www.chelonia.org/Articles/sulcatacare.htm |
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| Date: Sat, 16 Jul 2005 From: jeanene Subject: tortoise rescue? My husband works for a land developer . This morning at the new "subdivision" where he works I was there on an errand with my 7 yr old child. All of the avaliable land has been stripped up to and touching a very busy street. Upon leaving the area we saw a gopher tortoise in the road. We picked it up. after arriving home we found out that the tortoise is a male and an adult from your web site. Where I come from folks raise these animals to eat. He has already eaten 1/2 an apple ...quite a treat for my child to watch. I do not feel badly for taking the turtle from an area that has been bulldozed and has a lot more dozing to go. I would like to know ; when i rerelease the fellow in a nonpopulated not to too overgrown area if he will survive...We live not to far from the Eglin Air Force Base Reservation (we actually live in the outskirts of pensacola city limits, still too populated) Just wanting some advice. thank you. Jeanene & Jenna |
Dear Jeanene and Jenna, This situation is one of the most difficult for wildlife lovers. Because the gopher tortoise is legally protected, you should not move it anywhere, and you are not supposed to keep it, feed it, etc. This is so hard when you have seen the habitat bulldozed all around and realize that the animal is probably doomed if it stays where you found it. I do have a couple of suggestions. The best option is to take it back as near where you found it as possible and release it into habitat, if there is any. Tortoises will often adapt to be "suburban", digging burrows in yards, golf courses, and fields. There are small, reproductive populations of tortoises that hang on in these situations, and they provide an up close encounter with wildlife for many people that don't often get that experience. My other suggestion is that you find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and take it to them. Please do not take it a long way and relocate it. Besides being illegal, it is also not a good idea for several more reasons, such as genetics, disease transmission, and social heirarchy disruption. |
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| Date: Sat, 16 Jul 2005 From: sandi Subject: help, please [box turtle] i need to know the gestation period for a box turtle. i live in north georgia and a lovely lady turtle has laid her eggs near my back door and i wonder how long it will be before they hatch. if you can help, i would appreciate it! thanks, |
Sandi, The gestation period for an eastern box turtle is 70 - 90 days. Enjoy! |
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| Date: Mon, 04 Jul 2005 From: Jenni Subject: Want backyard friend] I don't have a gopher tortoise question, but we are looking into a tortoise as a backyard friend and would like an opinion. As of now, we are just checking the internet and gathering info on turtles and tortoises. If you have any advice for us, please write back. |
Gopher tortoises are legally protected and cannot be bought,sold, possessed, or kept in captivity without a permit. It is legal to keep other species, but you need to be very careful before buying. Some tortoises get very large and dig holes that put any dog to shame. Most have very specific feeding,housing, lighting, temperature, and humidity requirements. It is easy to keep turtles and tortoises in captivity, but it is not particularly easy to keep them healthy. Educate yourself well before jumping in | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 04 Jul 2005 From: PrtBar Subject: [spur-thigh hatching] tortoise my freind has a spur-thigh tortoise which had siblings on christmas day , my freind thinks this is strange as they hatch in the summer, is this uncommon ? please could you send me some feedback as to why this has happened |
Dear Barry, If the conditions in captivity were right and simulated breeding season, it is not surprising that they could reproduce at "weird" times. There is flexibility in the system to allow the animals to take advantage of good conditions. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 03 Jul 2005 From: Stephen Subject: Tortoise eggs My female just laid eggs...she laid them in the entrance to her burrow...it is 107 degrees here and the sun shines on the opening most of the day....what should I do?? They are only about 3-4 inches under the dirt... |
Mama knows best. If you can keep cats, dogs, etc., away from the area, that would be good. Besides being a bad idea biologically, it is illegal for you to mess with the eggs in any way. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 02 Jul 2005 From: CrcCrocodile Subject: [russian tortises] I have two russian tortises a male and female but they won't breed is there any thing I can do to enduce the breeding process. |
I am no expert on keeping tortoises, but here are a couple of websites that should help. Also, if there is a herp club in your area, there might be some folks there that know how to keep Russian tortoises healthy and happy.
www.russiantortoise.org/ |
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| Date: Fri, 01 jul 2005 From: Toni Subject: unknown turtle I had a turtle of some kind lay eggs in my yard two weeks ago. She was around 6" long and her shell was about 3" high (she was a little thick for what we usually have around here.) the color was odd too. She was a goldish beige with brown or black markings. My question is what is the gestation period for turtles and what do i do with them when they hatch. We have a ditch nearby - thought i would take them there if i'm around when they hatch. She laid the eggs directly under a bird feeder. I'm afraid the birds will get the babies not the mention all the cats in my neighborhood. |
Gestation period will depend on the species of turtle. It would probably be best to let the hatchlings figure out on their own where they need to be, especially if you don't know what kind of turtle they are. They may need to find a place that has very specific requirements (temperature, light, food, shelter, humidity, etc.). Predators are a problem, but hopefully, at least some of the hatchlings will make it to safety and grow up. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 From: Parker Subject: Request for document on Yard Turtles Hi, I see that you sent a document to the person below about "backyard" turtles. My neighbors watched a turtle lay eggs in my yard in front of my side gate yesterday- they were unable to identify the turtle so I'm going to treat it as though it were a gopher turtle- in other words, lock the gate, stop mowing that area, and ignore it. Can you please send me the backyard turtles document? My property backs up to a swampy refuge so the turtle doesn't surprise me, but we have MANY raccoons. I wish I were allowed to protect the eggs from them. |
If there is no burrow in your yard, it is not likely a gopher tortoise. They typically lay their eggs in the apron (sandy mound) in front of the burrow. If the habitat around you is wet, the turtle was probably some species of freshwater turtle. They often come up onto to higher ground, dig a hole, deposit the eggs, and go back to the water. Keeping the predators away is a good idea, but tough to do. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 From: will02amanda Subject: Need help with my [spurred] tortoise Hello, I hope you can help me. I have a spurred tortoise she is about 6 - 10 pounds. We live in Alabama. Her name is Molly. We just put Molly out side. We had a dog kettle and she has a houes. She did very well when we 1st put her out there. The last month she want come out of her houes at all. If she does it is at night dont know. she has lot of grass to eat and see dont eat. I got so rom.lettus and she eat a little bit not must. she used to eat more. I dont know if she dont eat more b\c of the heat. The high is around 90's and lows is around 70's. I just dont know . We get her out and put her in her water and she get out and goes back to her houes. the houes has a floor in it . I hope you can help me. thanks |
Dear Amanda, I am not well acquainted with the needs of spurred tortoises, or the conditions in Alabama. My guess is that it gets pretty hot there. Turtles and tortoises are cold-blooded reptiles, so the temperature of their environment greatly affects their behavior. Here are websites that should help you properly care for your tortoise. tortoisetrust.org/care/csulcata.html www.tortoise.org/archives/sulcata1.html www.chelonia.org/Articles/sulcatacare.htm If there is a herp club in your area, they usually have many experts on reptile care that could also help you. |
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| Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2005 From: Dee Subject: Juvenille Red Foot Questions! We recently purchased a baby red foot tortoise. She is 4 mos old. She was the runt (3" long). Though she wasn't the most active, she did eat and soak herself to drink. After a about 2 weeks, she stopped eating. We took her to the vet and he treated w/ Parazap and an antibiotic after taking blood. She started eating again, but all she does is sleep all day. Is this normal for her age. Most of the time I have to take her out of her hide box and put her right in front of the food so that she will eat. The setup we have is as follows: A box that is approx. 24"w x 16"w x 6" tall. I have a shoe box upside down with a opening cut out and moist sphagnum moss in it. We put a glass pie plate with water in it for her. I have a heat lamp at one end that gets it about 85-90 degress. The cooler end is about 75 degrees. I have a UVB bulb over her box and a food bowl. She is kept in my sons bedroom. We keep the air conditioner on 74 degrees and his room is upstairs, so it probably is a bit warmer in there. Should she sleep most of the day because of her age? I feed her an assortment of collard greens, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, squash, corn and some melons and fruit. I mix calcium powder w/d3 in it just about every day. Does this sound ok? Thanks |
Dee, It sounds like you are doing lots of good things, but I am not familiar enough with red-foots to know their specific requirements. Here are a couple of websites that should help.
www.tortoise.org/archives/carbonar.html If there is a herp club in your area, they are often a good source of experts in captive reptile care. |
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| Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 From: Shelia Subject: eggs we have at least 4 seperate holes on our property. the one that we have confirmed as being male is now coming out to protect himself against the dog. we think there may be eggs in the burrow, but i could not find any information to support my theories. if you could, pease e-mail back or we will check the website. |
Gopher tortoises often lay their eggs in the apron of the burrow (pile of sand at the mouth), but not down inside the burrow. The environment around the eggs if very important, so please do not disturb the sand looking for eggs, or they might not hatch. Also, please try to keep your dogs away from the tortoises and burrows. The tortoises are legally protected and are not to be harmed or harassed in any way. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 From: April Subject: Daytona Beach [new landlord] Hello, As the rest of Florida, Daytona is becoming more crowded daily. Recently a baby gopher turtle has claimed my yard as his home. I am thrilled to be chosen as his new landlord as I already house and feed the birds and squirrels. He has built his slide next to my deck where I just planted a new tree (soft sand).
I have a couple of questions... 1. What can I plant near his home when he gets the munchies? 2. Do I need to have a supply of water available for him? 3. How can I prevent his slide from caving in every time it rains? Can I use some type of tubing to keep the hole open? 4. Will he eat my flowers such as periwinkles and sunflowers? 5. Since he made his home next to the tree, when it grows and the roots spread, will it disturb his home? |
Dear April, The tortoise knows best what it needs and will be able to maintain its burrow suitably. Don't put anything artificial into the burrow. If the burrow collapses or roots grow into it, the tortoise will dig another. Adult tortoises typically have several burrows within their homerange. I have attached a chapter from a training manual that you should find helpful. It is copyrighted material, so please use it for your own education only. The biggest concern you should have for the tortoise is predators. Be sure that you keep, if possible, dogs and cats away from the little guy. He would be a nice snack. Congratulations and good luck. |
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| Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2005 From: Sarah Subject: Sulcata tortoise I bought a sulcata tortoise at a pet store and it died. I just bought another one about 2 months ago. He is a hatchling and only about a inch in diameter. I have a basking bulb on him and one that is coiled and is supposed to have all the vitamins essential for tortoises. I feed him lettuce or dandelion greens about two times per week with calcium supplement. All the other days I feed him grass or dried grass. I took the one that died to a vet and she had said he was perfectly healthy but he died a couple weeks later. I will do any thing to take care of him correctly, I just can not find any one that knows. He was in only a 20 gallon tank but we just bought one in a yard sale that has to be like 70 gallons. I still have the little heat pad from his small tank and we put that on the huge one. How hot should I keep him, at what humidity level, and what should I feed him? . The pet store said just romaine lettuce, but I know that is not true. Anything you know about this little fellow would be helpful. Sorry I am asking you about sulcata tortoises instead of gopher, I know you must be busy and I really will appreciate it if you respond. I feel that if you do not know about sulcata tortoises you will at least refer me to someone who will tell me only t things that are true about my sulcata. Sulcata tortoises and gopher tortoises look extremely alike. How can you tell the difference? Thank you so much, Sarah |
Dear Sarah, Here are three websites with lots of good information. Best of luck and thanks. Becky
www.tortoise.org/archives/sulcata1.html |
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| Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2005 From: VanesW5 Subject: [found] we found a turtle it looks like a gopher tortoise, but it has under its neck on his shell what looks like a spike on both sides. whats that and can we keep it? |
Can you send me some pictures so I can try to identify it? | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2005 From: Jarvis Subject: Eggs? Hi, we found an egg in our back yard almost 4" long. Could this be a turtle egg? It's all white, & we do have a turtle hole in our back yard. However the egg was on the opposite side of the turtle hole location. |
If the egg is more oblong than round, it is likely a snake egg. Turtle eggs are round. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2005 From: Linda Subject: [eating bedding plants] We live in the country in Georgia and have lots of sand, therefore Gopher Tortoise in quantity. In the past we have just enjoyed them but now it seems this summer they are eating my bedding plants. Can you tell me any natural, safe way to discourage them? I don't want to eliminate them if possible. Thank you so much for your help. |
Linda, I have attached a chapter from a training manual that will give you some useful information. Perhaps you can plant some things that the tortoises will prefer to eat besides your landscaping. The material in the chapter is copyrighted, so use it for your own education only, please. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 24 Jun 2005 From: Thomas Subject: Tortise food question I reside in Hernando County Florida, North of Tampa. What can I grow to provide food for the tortise? My yard is an oasis and I would like to cater to the tortise. I had a small tortise move in the yard the other day. Any information you can provide would be appreciated. |
Dear Thomas, I have attached a chapter from a training manual that will give you some useful information. The material is copyrighted, so use it for your own education only, please. Thanks for writing and for your caring! | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2005 From: Jared & Haley Subject: gopher tortoises and flower beds Our family lives in southern coastal Georgia and are sharing our land with 3 gopher tortoises. Two of them have burrowed in the woods right at our property lines but the third one has chosen to burrow under our house. We have named him Yertle. I have read the posted question regarding problems with the foundation and am no longer concerned about that. What I am concerned about is Yertle's love of my flower garden. I currently have "feathers" (common name not scientific..), colanchoe, gerbera daisies, lantana and moss roses that he seems to be feasting on. His burrow is in the flower garden so the flowers are the first food source he comes upon. I am concerned that these plants are bad for him or that by filling up on them he is not getting the nutrients he really needs. Is there any kind of treatment for the plants that would make them unappetizing for him but not harm him? Or could I plant something just for him?
Or maybe I should catch him and try to move him to the wooded area that the other tortoises occupy. If I did that, would it be okay to put him in/around the other burrows? Or should I put him in a place where he could dig his own burrow. I really don't know what to do for this little guy. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks so much for the great website. It is wonderful to have information at your fingertips so that good decisions can be made on behalf of those who share our land. |
Dear Haley, What a great story!! So many times people are aggravated that the wildlife is eating their garden. Your attitude is very caring and refreshing. Don't worry that Yertle will eat something harmful. Tortoises are not smart, but their instincts would prevent them from poisoning themselves. As long as there is a wide variety of food offerings, Yertle will get what he/she needs. Good luck and have fun! |
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| Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2005 From: Lisa Subject: Gopher Tortoise needs sanctuary... I need to find a place to relocate a Gopher Tortoise...too much development in our area. This Tortoise needs room to grow and to be around it's own kind, without fear of being mowed down by a truck, car, etc. Or becoming another tourist's castoff, one time I tried to just set her "free", someone in a truck was just going to pick her up as a "curiosity", a couple of other times she scratches at my fence to get back in. There is just no where out here that they (mostly St Joe/Arvida) are not developing, roads and traffic are everywhere. She was was sick, and malnourished when I first found her, she is frisky and happy now ... I have searched the the internet without much luck. Who/ where is the VERY BEST ( think/protected) site that I could bring her to, I am approximately 7-8 miles east of Destin, Florida. Can you please help me i.e. the tortoise?? Thank you, Lisa |
Dear Lisa, Nothing I am going to tell you is good news or will make you happy. First, it is illegal for you to move the tortoise, or mess with it in any way. I know that is extremely frustrating when the poor thing is likely going to become road kill. You might try contacting your regional office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to see if they can help:
Northwest Region FFWCC |
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| Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2005 From: THREE6GSPOT922 Subject: can a tortoise die if flipped onto its back? Can a tortoise die if it is flipped onto its back? if so, what causes it to die and how long does it take? my african spurr thighed tortoise sometimes flips himself and we are afraid to leave him alone for extended periods of time. |
Tortoises often flip each other over when having territorial or mate disputes. A tortoise can die if it is left in temperatures that are too hot or too cold and it can't escape. This takes a very long time. So, if your tortoise is turning over, but you are not leaving it in the sun or cold overnight, it should be fine. Try to figure out how it is flipping. Are there structures in the pen that it gets onto and then flips, or is it trying to get out and falling over backwards? Whatever you can do to eliminate its ability to flip itself would be good. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 22 Jun 2005 From: Nwhuntbch Subject: california desert tortise upper respitory disease looking for antibiotics to cure my tortise of cold in may |
The first thing I need to tell you is that desert tortoises are federally protected and it is illegal for you to have one without a permit. I am not familiar with the antibiotics used to treat URTD. Look at the Desert Tortoise Council website and contact someone from there. They will be able to direct you to some help. |
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| Date: Tue, 21 Jun 2005 From: MelTurtle Subject: what kind of tortoise is this? Could you please tell me what kind of tortoise this is? I have been researching for years and cannot find out what this is! I really hope you can help me. Thanks - Melissa |
 Dear Melissa, I cannot figure out what it is either, but I know that it is not healthy. Please get it to a vet or wildlife rehabilitator. Tortoises do not do well in water. They need a very specific environment with the right temperature, substrate, light and dark, and food. This animal will not live if you do not get it some medical attention. |
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| Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2005 From: Mørkeste Subject: What kind of turtle? Well I found a turtle in my back yard and I want it as a pet. But I have not researched enough about turtles to know the kind, what they eat, and even if I should keep it. Anyways I cannot get a picture right now, but I can try to describe it: It has orange spots on its legs and skin, and on the shell it is like regular dark greenish but each of the little pieces has a orange/light brown spot/design on them... Hm, that isn't a very good description but I tryed... If you can help me, thanks! |
What state do you live in, and do the turtle's feet have webs between the toes? | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2005 From: calaridom Subject: I may unknowingly have a gopher Hi Becky I hope you can help me. About two years ago a friend of the family came up unexpectedly from Florida bearing my children a gift : a small turtle.At first I was hesitant to accept the beautiful creature but as he began to tell me how they just need lettuce and don't drink water, I thought to myself, this little guy won't make it very far if I leave him with this guy. As an animal lover , I took him in. The pet shops I took her to. ( that;s what the vet thought it was) told me it was a box turtle. She didn't look like the ones I've seen in photos so I did a little research and thought she might be Sulcata. The person who brought her up to NYC said he found her in a house so I thought she might have escaped from a breeder or afficionado. I've done everything I can ti make her comfortable. I have the largest tank I can fit in my porch, I 've taken her to the vet and had her tested (positive) and treated for parasites and when it's warmer I put her in a large molde! d kiddie pool with lots of reptile sand and bark, feed her tortoise food as well as give her semi rotten fruit, dandelion leaves, collard greens and plenty of fresh water.
At the end of last summer we had some weird, and by that I mean both disgusting and violent things happen in our as well as neighboring back yards. I don't dare leave Beni( that's her name) in the yard. So She's bored and frustrated all the time. Now, I've recently come across the Gopher turtle website.I'm afraid I may have a protected species. I already saw on a previous question that Florida will not take in a turtle from outside of the state. I'd love Benni to have the best chance for a happy life but since I have been feeding her, she might not do well in the wild, as well as possibly infecting other creatures. Please help me with this dilemma. The NY Dept. of Conservation only takes native species. |
Unfortunately, I hear stories just like your's all too often. The first thing to do is get the animal positively identified. Can you email me some pictures? As you are probably aware, turtles/tortoises have fairly specific temperature and light requirements because they are reptiles (cold-blooded). They need the proper amount of sunlight and those frigid NY winters are just not tolerable. After we figure out what Beni is, I will better be able to help you figure out the best way to care for her. Write me back. If you cannot send a picture, we will move on to other options. |
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| Date: Sun, 19 Jun 2005 From: Jean Subject: Gopher tortoise eggs Dear Rebecca, a Gopher tortoise lives in the lot next door to my house. Today, it dug a hole and layed eggs in a nest just under my living room window. I read that the eggs will hatch in 80 days. Is there anything I can do to protect these eggs and the baby turtles when they hatch. Or should I do nothing? Also, someone has just bought the lot next door and if they decide to build on that lot, can the turtle be relocated? Thanks for you info. Jean |
The best (and legal) thing to do is leave the eggs alone. If you see a predator such as a dog or cat in the area, try to keep them away, but that is difficult unless the animal belongs to you. As far as the lot being developed, the developer is responsible to apply for a permit to either relocate or take (not relocate and develop anyway) the tortoise. In some cases, a lot can be developed without disturbing the animal, but if the food source is destroyed, it can't stay around long anyway. If you see development activity, check with the appropriate permitting agency for building permits (most likely city or county) and find out if they have gotten their tortoise permit. I would try to document that the tortoise and burrows are there, because very often, the lot will get developed quickly and there will be no proof that the animal ever existed. |
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| Date: Mon, 13 Jun 2005 From: Kevin Subject: Moving Gopher Tortoise eggs I have several Gopher Tortoises that frequent my property in the Canaveral Groves area of Cocoa. Yesterday I went to level a truckload of dirt that has been sitting in my yard for several months and discovered several Gopher Tortoise eggs buried in the dirt. The eggs have not been moved and remain covered by about 6 inches of dirt on the side of the pile. Can they be relocated to a safer area without endangering them? |
Because gopher tortoises are a protected species, it is illegal to move the eggs or disturb them without a permit. If you can possibly wait, just leave them alone and see what happens. Incubation takes about 80 days, so they will either hatch by early September, or they aren't going to hatch. If they do, the young will crawl off and look for a place to live in the vegetation or in a burrow. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 13 Jun 2005 From: Alejandro Subject: gopher [pet] Hi, my friend brought me 2 gopher tortoises 2 years ago, i didn't know what kind of tortoises he brought to me. i take them to a pets store adn the owner told me is illegal to keep them i didn't know that. Could you please tell me what can i do? |
Can you send me a digital picture of the tortoises? Often times, people working in pet stores misidentify wild animals. If you do have gopher tortoises, I suggest that you find a local wildlife rehabilitator to take them to. They likely will need some health care, and they should not be released into the wild. Rehabbers can occasionally find permitted people to take tortoises that come from situations such as yours. Send me a picture if you can, or let me know if I can help you find a rehabber. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 11 Jun 2005 From: MDANISON Subject: GOPHER TURTLE [Eat] WHAT DO THEY EAT? ONE IS IN OUR YARD |
Congratulations! If there is a tortoise in your yard, then the things it needs must be there also. They eat low-growing herbs, grasses, and other plants. It is illegal for you to feed the tortoise, and it isn't healthy for them anyway. Just sit back, watch, and enjoy. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 11 Jun 2005 From: arron Subject: gopher turtles [eat] what do gopher tortoise eat |
They are vegetarians and eat low-growing herbs, grasses, and other plants. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 08 Jun 2005 From: Shari Subject: Fwd: possible gopher turtle in my yard My backgate was left open overnight and this morning I noticed a very large (approx 12 -15 inches) turtle/tortoise walking around. It moves pretty fast for how I thought a turtle would move. I was concerned it might be a gopher turtle and have spent hours searching the net & checking out all t he photos for florida species. He doesn't look exactly like any one particular picture. His shell is quite weathered and the pattern on the shell is very faded, it looks like faint outlines of geometric shapes. He has some thin yellow green stripes on his head and neck, but doesnt look like any of the photos I saw of the stripped turtles. I contacted the zoo, the wildlife sanctuary, Turkey Creek Sanctuary, all thought it could be a gopher turtle and said the markings can change when they get very big. My problem is what to do with him if he is a gopher turtle. It was suggested to let him go wherever he wanted because no one has room for him. I have a neighborhood with a lot of dogs and feral cats running around, not to mention neighborhood kids who do not leave the wildlife alone, I am worried for the turtle's saftey. Is there anyone I can contact? I am leary about contacting Animal Control, a few years ago when I volunteered for an animal rescue group we were told not to contact Animal Control for wildife rescue because the animals usually ended up being killed. I would appreciate any information you can give me. I am Palm Bay FL and contacted you because you are local. Thanks. |
Dear Shari, No gopher tortoise ever has yellow and green stripes on its head, no matter how old it is. Look up a picture of a Florida cooter on the websites below. If that is not it, can you send me a picture? www.abbottsturtlefarm.com/detail.asp?i=37 www.turtlepuddle.org/american/cooter.html www.uga.edu/srelherp/turtles/pseflo.htm Regardless of what it is, just leave your gate open and it will likely wander on soon. Or, if it is a cooter or other similar water turtle, you can take it to the nearest borrow pit, pond, ditch, or other source of fresh water and let it go. |
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| Date: Tue, 07 Jun 2005 From: janet Subject: jaw hi i have a little gopher turtle at my house ive been taken care of for 2 yrs.his lastest problem is his jaw use to have black now bright white looks swollen.not sure what to do he lets me touch it feels ok but im not sure he is still a baby i think about 4 inches long was eating good and drinking about once a week that i saw now i cant get him to eat or drink help thanks j.c |
Dear J.C., Please get the tortoise to a wildlife rehabilitator as quickly as possible. First of all, if it is a gopher tortoise, it is illegal for you to have it without a permit. More importantly, it sounds like the little guy has a serious problem that you will not be able to fix. If you cannot find a rehabber in your area, write me back, tell me what town you live in, and I will try to locate one for you. Thank you. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 06 Jun 2005 From: ashleya1 Subject: [tortoise not moving] Hi my name is Ashley and I recently found a very small gopher tortoise (2.5-3in long ) in a sandy spot in my yard. I live in south GA and this sant is similar to beach sand and sticks out in our grassy yard, but whats so weird is she just sits there and she doesn't seem to eat much well I've never seen her eat. we've offered her lettuce, watermelon, cantalope, and i even bought her a small reptile lamp and arranged it for her at night b/c she doesn;t seem to move much. I bought her some food ath the pet store and offered her some in a small lid. (All of this i know know is illegal.) but her eyes are always closed. I've heard of URTD and i know that swollen eyelids are a symptom, but she doesn't have a runny nose or wheezing, but her lids don't look swolen just closed is it possible she may have phenomona , because we have been getting rain ans I set a large patio table over her to keep her dry, but its pretty cool (for south GA) its warming up now but I guess what I need to be asking is how exactly do I attempt to get a permit? I have a vet coming to look at my horse Tuesday and I want her to look at my little neighbor and see what she thinks is wrong with her can you help me in the meantime?? THANKS SOOO MUCH!!!!!! Great site!! P.S. I stop to help turtles as much as possible!! |
Dear Ashley, See if the vet will take a look. They will be able to help you more than I can. Good luck! | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 06 Jun 2005 From: Phillip Subject: gopher tortoise protection I've lived in my home in a wooded subdivision for 28 years without any neighbors. We have tortoises coming in our yard daily to graze on my lawn, weeds and flowers, so I know there are many gophers living on the vacant lot next to my home. Babies have hatched and passed through my gardens every year for as long as I can remember. Some stay a while in little dens they dig and then when they are larger, they move on. This winter I saw a mating pair in my yard. One large female has been passing through for over 20 years.
Is there anything I can do to protect the dens on the vacant lots before developers show up with their tractors? I can't bear the thought of any of them being bull-dozed away. |
Dear Pamela, Your story is sad and all too common. As more and more people move in, wildlife loses out. The only thing you can do about the lot next door is make sure that if the developer does show up, the company acknowledges that there are tortoises present and gets their permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. At least then they must pay to bulldoze the lot (the money is used for tortoise conservation elsewhere in Florida) or they have to relocate the tortoises. Relocation sounds good, but it rarely works and has lots of associated problems. You can check on the permit situation through your local government. You might take pictures or otherwise document that there are burrows, just in case things happen quickly. Once the lot is cleared, it would just be your word agaisnt theirs. Hope this is helpful, and feel free to write back. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 05 Jun 2005 From: victoria Subject: Baby Gopher Tortoise needs HELP! i found a baby gopher tortoise in my driveway and it's back legs are not moving. I have watched closely and he is only moving himself with his front legs. His back legs have no movement, they are hanging straight out. What can i do for this little guy? Help! |
Please take it to a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator immediately. If you can't find one in your area, please let me know and I will try. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 05 Jun 2005 From: Gcgc725 Subject: Greek tortoises I have a greek tortoise and wanted to know if it was a male or a female, how would i be able to tell which it is? |
I could not find that specific information for the Greek tortoise. I suggest you ask a veterinarian, wildlife rehabilitator, or someone that belongs to a reptile club. Good luck. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 03 Jun 2005 From: John & Traci Subject: food I have a gopher tortoise in my yard and I would like to put some food out for it. I live in Citrus County, Florida and there are a lot of new homes going in and I would like to help him to stay by my house so I know he won't get hurt. My question is what do gopher tortoise's eat? Thank you, Traci |
Dear Traci, I have attached a list of plants that tortoises have been documented eating. You can plant some of these in your yard. Because tortoises are protected, you cannot legally leave food scraps out for them. Besides, it's not really a good idea for their health anyway. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 02 Jun 2005 From: Judy Subject: Just to Let You Know I don't have a question. This is just for your enjoyment. Let me know if I can be of service to you. I thought that you might enjoy seeing some photos of two of the gopher tortoises that live in our yard. I haven't gotten a picture of the third one that lives to the side of the path down to the pasture. I'm sure there are more on the farm, but these live in our front and back yards-quite independently. We're just happy when they come out to eat food or drink water. We enjoy quietly watching them and snapping their picture, but sometimes these "slow turtles" (not-haha) plop down into their holes so fast that I can't get a picture quickly enough. :D Mrs. Judy, GA |
Dear D, Very cool website and great gopher pictures. I particularly like the one with the mouth open and greens inside. Would it be o.k. for me to forward your message to my friend that is the State's herpetologist in Georgia? He would love to see your pictures and know that you are in Georgia. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 30 May 2005 From: Ben Subject: salvaged eggs from scattered clutch While walking in long leaf pine - turkey Oak habitat, we discovered four of 9 gopher Tortoise eggs ahd been eaten. These had been scratched out at what looked like a new burrow opening. The remaining five have been salvaged along with soft sand from the site in hopes of incubating and returning them to the site when they have hatched and would have a better chance for survival. Is all we have to do is place them in a bunch of sand and wait...? How do we protect them from the raccoons and Opossums in my back yard. Thank you for your reply. Ben |
Dear Ben, I know this probably a moot point by now, but the best thing to do is take them back to where you found them and rebury them. It is very difficult to reproduce a natural nest for many reasons (temperature, humidity, soil moisture, hours of sunlight vs. dark, etc.). If you found the eggs above the ground, they likely will not hatch anyway. Please feel free to write back if I can provide any more information. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 30 May 2005 From: Christean Subject: I dont know what kind of turtle I have I recently found a turtle and decided to keep it for my nephew we went out got it a tank and some reptile pelets. We were wondering what kind of turtle it was. On the bottome of the shell it is a redish orange color and on the top it is smooth. you can feel where the lines are that outline the boxes on the top of the shell. The turtle is still very young he is only the size of a quarter. so if you can help me that would be great if you need me to I can send you a picture so just write me back and let me know something. Thank You, Christean |
Christean, If you still have this turtle and don't know what kind it is, please send me a picture. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 30 May 2005 From: Mrs Raina Subject: Oh man...[highway] Hello- great site by the way. Today my husband and I found 2 of these beautiful turtles walking down the middle of the highway. We got out and put them in the back of the vehicle and drove to a lake (on a Wildlife reserve- far away from traffic and humans). Only now I have learned that they like sandy dry places- Are they going to be okay? I felt so good about saving them from the traffic- I sure hope we didn't hurt those little guys. Here are some photos. The older turtle had a bum front leg-and the little guy was quite fast for a turtle! Please keep me updated. |
Hi, I cannot tell you for sure that the tortoises will be o.k. They typically live in high, sandy places, but they often use wetlands for feeding. If they can find a place to dig burrows, they should be fine. Tortoises are typically pretty tough. We can hope for the best. In the future, it is better when you find a tortoise in trouble to just remove it from harm's way and not relocate it a long distance (that is also illegal to do). Thanks.
This is where we released them.
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| Date: Sun, 29 May 2005 From: Taylor Subject: Red Ear Slider I know its not a gopher turtle but still I sometimes let it out to walk on the cement he always seems to enjoy is it bad for his shell or his health! |
It should be fine if you don't let it sit in the direct hot sun for too long. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 29 May 2005 From: GottCoffey Subject: Years of enjoyment [fence] My name is Angie & I live in Jupiter, FL. We moved into our home 11 years ago. Next to our development was a nursery/farm that was home to many gopher tortoises. The farm was bought & has since been developing rapidly. My husband & I used to take the kids through this area just to observe the wildlife before it came under construction. We witnessed many gopher tortoises and infact, have taken 2 that were found there to release them. I am very aware that they are illegal to keep. However, about three years ago, the empty lot behind my house was cleared & there now stands a house. To my surprise, there must have been a gopher tortoise living there that sought sanctuary in my back yard. He has enjoyed our herb garden, banana trees and hibicus shrubs for nearly all three of those years and has built himself quite a large burrow. We have put a koi pond in our yard recently which has brought four turtles ( 3 sliders and one soft shell ) into our pond and they have called it home. Now we find that due to the depth & size of our koi pond, we are required to fence our back yard. What do I do about "GROUCHO"? Will I be fined for containing him within this fence since he has made his home here and been free to come & go as pleases or should I contact our local wildlife center to have him removed? We have really enjoyed him & we would hate to see him go, but I'm not sure it's worth getting in trouble over. Thank you for your help. I think GROUCHO has been happy but I want to do what is best for him and stay within the limits of the law. I eagerly await your reply as we only have 30 days to start constructing the fence. |
Go ahead and do the fence. As long as you do not bury it underneath the ground, Groucho can dig out if he so pleases and you will be legal. Look at the following website for more useful information regarding "backyard" tortoises: www.ashtonbiodiversity.org/gtci.php | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 28 May 2005 From: koreyci_b Subject: [female or male?] How can you tell if your turtle is female or male? |
It depends on the kind of turtle. Sometimes it is the shape of the plastron (bottom shell is concave in males, flat in females) as in gopher tortoises. In many aquatic turtles, males have longer tales and claws. Sometimes it is body size. If you are asking about a specific species, write me back with its name. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 28 May 2005 From: Stackpoles Subject: found baby We found a baby in the mouth of one of our cats. It is unharmed but do not know who to contact. We live on 20 acres in Marion County, Florida. We would like to take care of him until we know that we can release it. Stackpole family |
Dear Stackpoles, The best thing to do (and the legal thing as well) is to release the tortoise near where you think it came from underneath some vegetation or in a burrow. Try to keep your cats inside so they do not capture or kill wildlife. If you still have the tortoise, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator and take it to them. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 28 May 2005 From: kelly Subject: sick bay red slider turtle Hello. I got a bay red slider turle one week ago. Its birth date was May 18, 2005. He was very active and eating well, until last night. He didn't want to eat and today he hasn't ate at all and he acts sick. (not eating, not active, and barely opens his eyes, and his shell had a white scale to it this morning, but that has improved.) I have followed the directions carefully that the seller provided. He told me to change the water twice weekly and I did that but he was not specific on the kind of water. I used distilled. Is that my problem? I am very concerned. Thanks for your help. It is Memorial Weekend and I can not find a pet store open to look at him. Britney |
Either take it back where you bought it and see if they can help you, or find a wildlife rehabilitator to look at it. Write back if I can help. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 25 May 2005 From: coridon Subject: I think my Gopher needs a pal. Hello, We moved in one year ago and the turtle has always been here, but the property was in really bad condition. Now that we are hear, I worry she's not getting the right enviorment. There was always a fence, but it had holes in it and we had it fixed. I don't want to keep her somewhere she doesn't want to be. Yesterday, the gate was open and I found her in the front yard. I don't know if she's looking for a man or just more food. Help, maybe there is a better place for her where she will be happier. Thanks Cathy |
Dear Cathy, The gopher tortoise is a legally protected species, so you cannot move her or keep her somewhere by force. If she is staying in your yard, that is fine. Believe me, unless you buried the fence underneath the ground, it will not keep her in. Just enjoy her company and she will take care of the rest (including finding a mate if there is one around to be found). | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 26 May 2005 From: Alexandra Subject: species! Hi, Sorry to bother you - I have recently got a baby pet tortoise, s/he is very sweet but... we do not know what kind of tortoise it is!!! We know it's a fresh water turtle, but do not know the scientific name and couldn't find on the net anything resembling our tortoise. I am attaching a picture, maybe you can help me. Many thanks, Alexandra. |
 Dear Alexandra, This is a softshell turtle, but the species depends on where the turtle is from. Do you know? Thanks for sending the picture; that helps immensely. |
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| Date: Thu, 26 May 2005 From: Jamie Subject: gopher turtles [space needs] We recently moved and have found 9 gopher turtles on out property. About 1 1/12 acres. I have read about them and I think this is a large number for such a small area. Can you give me a little info on how much space they need and is this a large amount for this area. Thanks, Jamie |
Dear Jaime, The number of tortoises that can live in an area is dependent on how good the are is for them, i.e., how much food is available, how much room for burrows, etc. There are things you can do to increase the carrying capacity of your land if you want to make sure the gopher tortoises have what they need. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 23 May 2005 From: Arthur Subject: Building a fence I've been told by the previous owner of the house we now live in that a golhper turtle has a home on our neighbors property.The neighbor is planning on putting up a privacy fence right in line with the turtles home. Is there a law that protects the golpher turtle. Art |
The gopher tortoise is legally protected, so the property owner should not do anything that harms the tortoise or its burrow without getting a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (assuming you are in Florida). I believe that the distance that must be maintained from the burrow is 25 feet. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 23 May 2005 From: Jacob Subject: Gopher Turtle Spotting I am a college student and a recent graduate just this term! Just today as I was coming home I spotted a turtle and I was curious as what type it was. After I took a picture with my camera phone I did some internet research and found out that it is a gopher turtle. I came upon your website and I thought you could help me out. Since it is a gopher turtle what protection does it have if any in Florida? I don't understand what special species of concern means. Am I to understand its habit is protected? If so something has to be done to stop all this destruction of its habitat now.
As my neighbor hood is developing like crazy. I am afraid that all the species will be wiped out. They are putting up some condos across the street where I spotted the gopher turtle and I believe they have plans to build another project in front of our community entrance where I saw the turtle today. My parents have once even seen a bobcat in the area before all this building started to take place last year. As I don't know what to do I am looking forward in getting some answers from you. |
Dear Jacob, You are seeing what is the most common hazard facing Florida's wildlife: loss and degradation of habitat. Quite frankly, worrying about one turtle here, one bobcat there, etc., is not going to solve the problem. Currently, there are hundreds of new residents moving into the state every day. They want houses, schools, stores, and roads. These things take space. Development is rampant, and until we have elected officials that care as much or more about quality of life as they do making a dollar, we will continue to lose our natural resources. If you really want to help, educate yourself and become involved in the political process, even at the local level. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 22 May 2005 From: hipple9 Subject: what can i do i dont know what kind of tortoise i have in my yard it looks like a box turtle but its not and how can i keep it safe ? Tati |
Dear Tati, Look on the internet or in books to try and identify the turtle. If you have a digital picture, send it to me and I will try to help. The best thing to do with any wild animal is leave it alone and enjoy watching it from a distance. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 22 May 2005 From: Yvonne Subject: red-eared slider how do you tell the difference between a male or female slider |
Males have longer tails and claws than females. That is difficult to tell when you only have one turtle and nothing to compare! | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 22 May 2005 From: Tuckers Subject: will u anwser my ? please how can u tell the difference between a male and female turtle? Kaci - Ark. |
Dear Kaci, It depends on what kind of turtle you are talking about. With many turtles, especially those that live in the water, males have longer tails than females. With gopher tortoises, the bottom shell of the female is completely flat, and the males' bottom shells are slightly concave. In some species of turtles, males have longer claws; in other species, the main difference is the size of the entire turtle. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 22 May 2005 From: hipple9 Subject: had a tortoise lay eggs a tortoise came in my yard and layed eggs in it . how long before they hatch and what do i do . please i want them to live. |
The incubation period for tortoise eggs is 90 days, give or take a few days depending on the latitude of where you live (shorter time in the south). The gopher tortoise is a legally protected species, so you should not do anything to the nest or eggs. My suggestion is that you keep dogs, cats, etc., away from the nest site if possible, and then watch to see signs of hatching. The young will be very vulnerable to predators until they find a place to burrow or hide. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 21 May 2005 From: VickyL3270 Subject: Tortoise Under Pool Deck We have a large turtle burrowing under our pool deck. We live in Floirda on the border of Tree Tops PArk. In a telephone conversation to park personnel they have indicated the possibility of this being a Gopher Tortoise. I am concerned that the burrowing is going to damage my concrete pool deck. Also, my dog goes crazy everytime this turtle appears. Finally, I am concerned about the turtle and the possibility it has layed eggs. Park personnel have advised to watch for the turtle to leave the nest, check for eggs and if none fill in the hole using dirt and gravel and maybe a little concrete. This seems to be a good solution. What do you recommend? Thank you David |
Dear David, The first thing I need to tell you is that the gopher tortoise is a protected species and that it is illegal to do anything to it or its burrow. The park personnel should not have suggested that you fill in the burrow, eggs or no eggs. Please don't let your dog hurt the tortoise. It has been my experience that sooner or later, the dog will get used to it and quit barking when the tortoise comes out. Tortoises very often dig next to decks, air conditioning units, fences, porches, etc., because the dirt is already soft there and it is easy. I have never seen them crack concrete or cause other damage. My suggestion is that you consider yourself fortunate to have the tortoise and enjoy him. He may or may not stick around, depending on if there are enough food resources. Development in Florida is taking away the habitat for tortoises and most other animals, so they are forced to live in places they would not normally occur. I have attached a document that talks about "backyard" tortoises. It is copyrighted, so please use it only for your own education. Feel free to write me back if I can answer other questions or concerns. |
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| Date: Sat, 21 May 2005 From: Angela Subject: [male / female] how can u tell a male tortois from a female tortois? |
The bottom shell of a female tortoise is absolutely flat. The bottom shell of a male tortoise is slightly concave. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 20 May 2005 From: amy Subject: questions [won't move] we just got a gopher turtle and he wont stop going to the bathroom , and he wont eat , and he wont move , its like he's in shock or something plus i dont know how to take care of it . Can you help me. sincerely, Jazzmyn |
Dear Jazzmyn, The first thing I have to tell you is that the gopher tortoise is a protected species, and it is illegal for you to have one. More importantly, you need to get the animal to a vet or wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. If you can't find one, write me back and tell me what town you live in, and I will find one for you. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 16 May 2005 From: Harbach Subject: Gopher Tortoises [developing a property] We are planning to developing a property in the Melbourne Beach area and have found a gopher tortoise on the property. We understand that the lot cannot be cleared while the tortoise is burrowed on the property. Can you give us any information on tortoise relocation/permitting and, if possible, offer any assistance in this task? Since we live in South Florida at this time, any personal involvement over a period of time would be difficult to schedule. Any information/help would be greatly appreciated. Al |
Dear Al, It is not true that you can't develop your property because of tortoises. The information you need can be found at myfwc.com/permits/Protected-Wildlife/permits.html#gophertortoise on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website. The best scenario would be if you can develop without disturbing the tortoise. I have also attached a document that would help you coexist with your "backyard tortoise". This is a book chapter that is copyrighted, so please use it for your own education only. Good luck, and feel free to write back if you have more questions or need more information. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 15 May 2005 From: Jessica Subject: Found hurt Gopher Turtle I live in a neighborhood with new construction going on. I found a gopher turtle that had been hurt from a bulldozer or other large machinery most likely running over him. He has a cracked shell and was bleeding from two spots. I found him over the weekend and do not know if I should just leave him or take him to a vet or wildlife rescue on Monday. I would need to move him tonight (Sunday) before the workers come back early Monday morning. Should I do this? Besides a reptile vet is there a better place to take him?? I live in Orlando Florida. Thank you, Jessica |
Dear Jessica, You might call the reptile vet and ask them what they suggest you do. The tortoise needs to be taken there or to a rehab place. Thank you so much for helping. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 15 May 2005 From: Jo Subject: gopher holes Do gopher tortoise enter and leave the same hole or do they enter one hole and exit another? |
A burrow being used by a tortoise typically has one opening that they use to enter and exit. Sometimes, when other animals begin using a burrow, they will create new holes to use as escape routes. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 13 May 2005 From: IAN Subject: what do you call a male and female tortoise could you pleasetell me what you call a male and female tortoise as you would say ie. a dog and bitch in the dog world |
Male and female are all I have ever known, used, or heard. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 12 May 2005 From: Kathy Subject: Desert Turtle Question Do Desert Turtles have teeth? Thanks in advance for your answer. Kathy |
Dear Kathy, Turtles do not have teeth, but have a hard palate and beak that is used to crush their food items. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 12 May 2005 From: Eric Subject: return to wild or not? for four years we have maintained a 3 toed and a gopher tortoise together in a fenced/concrete block pen (about 100 ft sq) in our yard in new orleans. they appear to be mature, healthy and 'happy', digging in each winter, and coming right back in the spring: once they appear it is a sure sign that the cold weather will not return. they get along as well as such creatures might. the gopher has laid eggs twice, most recently this week. (I see that we cannot hope for a box/gopher hybrid). the pen is semi-overgrown with weeds and a few herbs and pepper plants. we feed them worms, grubs (their favorite) bananas, melon, grapes etc. the soil in the pen is built up above the yard's ground level about 8" (height of the blocks). both were discovered in our yard, to our amazement. the 3 toed was found while landscaping, and so we built the pen for it. the gopher simply walked up to the pen one day, about a year later. our area has been urban (with large yards) for more than a century so I presume they were wandering pets. we know it's illegal to keep them - but it would have been wrong to let them wander back into the busy streets. as fond as we are of them, we want to do what's best for them and their populations. should we maintain the tortoises in our yard return them to the wild (if so, where?) or bring them down to you? |
In a case like this, it is best to leave well enough alone. To return the gopher tortoise to the wild is risking disease, social, and genetics problems. It is not legal to bring a tortoise into Florida. Have the eggs ever hatched? Sounds like you are doing well for the animal given the situation. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 From: Terra Subject: identity crisis I have a tortoise in my yard that I cannot identify. Could you help?! I want to try to plant some vegetation for him since I fear some new homes have limited his territory. Your help is much appreciated! Sincerely, Terra. |
 Dear Terra, That is a box turtle. Check out this website boxturtlesite.org and there are many more if you search on box turtle care. It would be good to let it roam free instead of keeping it captive; that way it will at least have a chance to breed. |
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| Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 From: Nicole Subject: POISONOUS TORTOISE My dog bit a gopher tortoise. I am trying to find out if they are poisonous???? He bit into the shell. |
Gopher tortoises are not poisonous, and I am much more concerned about the tortoise than I am your dog. That animal needs to be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator or vet so it can be properly treated. The tortoise's shell is an outgrowth of its bone and any injury to the shell is potentially serious. Also, gopher tortoises are legally protected. Please control your dog, because any harm your dog causes is your responsibility. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 09 May 2005 From: Robyn Subject: turtles show me turtle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!let me see turtle pictures bigger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!thanks that was all... |
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| Date: Mon, 09 May 2005 From: lynn Subject: [keep?]baby gopher thank you for maintaining such a wonderful information site. you have helped me greatly with my decision on what to do with this hatchling gopher that some people gave to me about half dead. it is doing very well now with a special reptile lamp, small cut romaine every day, then sprinkled with reptivite once a week. it gets twice daily warm water soaks to ease the scabs from cuts about the head and eye. one eye lid was scraped up pretty bad but is returning to normal now. just recently i have started taking it out in my yard to freely graze on the greens of its choice and it really chows down. it will be released into a wildlife preserve in weeki wachee in about a week in a half. this is pretty close to where it was found. i am sure it will be plenty strong by then. the people who gave it to me want it back as a pet if i could help it get better. i will be able to convince them now about how it is illegal to keep thanks to your website. i have been taking care of box turtles for a long time and will come visit your place one day when i make it to the other coast. lynn |
Dear Lynn, Thank you. It is good that you are releasing the tortoise near where it was taken. Please do that as soon as possible. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 08 May 2005 From: Sharon Subject: tortoise I have just bought a Herman tortoise, called Blossem. he is only small, two years old He eats, but very little. is this ok |
Sharon, I am not familiar with the dietary requirements of Herman tortoises, but what and how much they eat will partly depend on the temperature of their surroundings. Make sure you are not keeping the tortoise at too low of a temperature. I suggest that you search on-line to find out the best way to feed the tortoise and the most favorable temperature for it. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 08 May 2005 From: AUDREYLYNNA16 Subject: hello [sick box turtles] hi my name is Audrey. I have 3 baby eastern box turtles in my house. i have looked up all they need and they have the proper environment and food. REcently my turtles look sick, one of the past away and its shell on the bottom especially is soft. do you have any idea what this means or how i can help the other ones survive? |
Even though you think you are providing the best environment for the turtles, it sounds like they may be having diet problems. You should take them to a vet or wildlife rehabilitator and let them tell you exactly what is wrong and how to fix it. Keeping turtles seems like it should be easy, but it is often more complicated than people realize. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 07 May 2005 From: Debbie Subject: Age Good Day, Can you please let me know, how old can a tortoise get and how can you see the age? My sister got a baby and she love him so mush and we want to know more about the berg tortiose. Thank you so mush. Debbie and Francis, South Africa |
Debbie and Francis, I am not familiar with the "berg" tortoise, and couldn't find anything about it on-line. Can you give me the genus and species names? | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 04 May 2005 From: ang Subject: horsfield tortoises hi there, i have just brought two tortoises i would like to know what plants, herbs and weeds they can eat as i would like to make a nice rockery for them. The picture i am sending is this tank ok for them to be in at night? I have a thirmal thing on the bottom with sand on the top then a heating mat then sand on top of the heating mat, then wood chippings and the rest you can see in the picture. |
Tortoise husbandry is not my strong point, so here are two good web sites to help you. Best of luck and enjoy. tortoisetrust.org/articles/horsfield.html gctts.org/WS/WS.php/Public/RussianTortoiseCare |
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| Date: Tue, 03 May 2005 From: Charles Subject: can Gopher Tortoises swim? Resource Teacher,Environmental Education Program |
Dear Charles, I have seen them swim short distances (across ditches), but doubt that they could keep themselves afloat for a long period of time. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 01 May 2005 From: JanisME0115 Subject: [crushed shell] I have a gopher that I picked up from the roadway, and has a crushed shell. What do I do?? |
It is very important that you take it to a vet or a wildlife rehabilitator. If you cannot find someone to take it, please write me back and tell me what town you live in, and I will try to help. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 01 May 2005 From: garyshon Subject: teeth Do desert tortises have teeth? Thank You Gary |
Turtles and tortoises do not have teeth, but have a hard palate and beak that they use to "chew" their food and defend themselves. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2005 From: gary Subject: what do i do [with eggs]? What do I do if a wild red eared slider turtle lays eggs in my backyard - do I take them in? |
Leaving them alone is risky because of predators and other potential problems, but that is still the best thing to do. Many turtles have fairly complicated needs when it comes to incubation and it might be worse to try and hatch the eggs yourself. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 From: steve Subject: male or female My turle is a painted turle and I do not know if it is female or male? |
Hi, Male painted turtles have long foreclaws and long, thick tails. Females have shorter foreclaws, shorter and thinner tails, and tend to be larger. It might be hard to tell a male from a female if you don't have the other sex to compare. Search on-line for more information and pictures, or look in field guides. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 23 Apr 2005 From: FISHNGUY4300 Subject: hello. I have a question Please help me [identify} - no one else seems to know? My daughter rescued a turtle from the road, which was sure to be road kill. She has brought it home and we are trying to identify it, and also trying to find the correct food. Let me give you some information . We live in South Carolina, it is about the size of a softball, has a black shell with yellow spots. Can you please help me identify it and give me some information about its diet. Thank you very much for any help you may give me. Thanks Again!!! |
You need to i.d. it. Go to the library or bookstore and try to find it in a book. Make sure that you are looking at pictures of animals that potentially occur in your geographic region. You can do the same type of research on-line. If you can send me a digital picture, I can tell you what it is as well. Once you know what kind of turtle it is, there are plenty of resources that can help you take good care of it. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2005 From: Elibetteg Subject: how many gopher turtles are left |
That is a good question. Unfortunately, there is not a good answer. I can tell you that the populations are declining in many areas because of the loss of habitat. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2005 From: kelly Subject: tortoise burrow question I hope you are still answering questions. I recently moved into a townhouse that is located on a slight hill and therefore is completely elevated by support piers. I was under the house this weekend and noticed what looks very much like a gopher tortoise burrow. I haven't seen a tortoise the 3 weeks I've been here. How do I know if this burrow is being used or has been used recently, or even if it is a burrow?? We are about ready to lattice in the underside of the house and I'd hate to trap a tortoise in or out of its burrow. Thanks for any advice you can provide! |
There are a number of animals that dig burrows and could potentially be living under your house. My suggestion is that you put the lattice up, but leave an escape route so that your "neighbor" can come and go. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2005 From: Linda Subject: Gopher Tortoise [when & what eat?] My granddaughter has a project she is doing in her 4th grade class on Gopher Tortoise and she needs to know when they eat and the consumption of what they eat any information you can send me will be appreciated. Thank you Nonnie |
Nonnie, Your granddaughter can find all sorts of good basic tortoise biology information by searching the web on "gopher tortoise". Gophers are vegetarians and eat low-growing plants, grasses, and herbs. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 10 Apr 2005 From: Rebecca Subject: [come out] when the turtles come out |
They come out during the day when the temperature is warm enough. How warm the temperature has to be depends on the kind of turtle you are talking about. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 07 Apr 2005 From: chriskimc Subject: Found Gopherus Berlandieri I live in Corpus Christi, TX. While I was clearing some high grass in my back yard I found a Gopherus Berlandieri. I had some experts tell me that is what he is. He has some red paint on the side of his shell. This area is not a very safe place for him. I can't figure how he got here unless someone had him and he got out. Does he even belong in this area? I would love to adopt him if at all possible. If I can't I am going to have to give him to the right people. I do have two acres of land, but if he gets out he will run into trouble. I have been trying for days to find out what I can do with him and have got no where. Can you please help me find some information on adoption. Thanks a bunch, Kimberly |
  Dear Kimberly, The tortoise you found is protected by the state as a threatened species. My suggestion is that you call or email the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. see website: www.tpwd.state.tx.us They must have a local office somewhere near you. I also found this phone number on the website for more information about listed species. (512) 912-7011 You might try that as well. Another option is to give the tortoise to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator that has a permit to keep tortoises. |
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| Date: Wed, 06 Apr 2005 From: scott Subject:[red ear sliders] hi my name is scott and I have 5 red ear sliders in a 90 gallon pond and I have recently noticed little worm like things swimming in the water. I drained the pond and cleaned really well and cleaned the filtration system really good and they came back in about a day, do you know what this might be if so please email me back thank you. |
Dear Scott, I haven't a clue, but the worms might not be a bad thing. Why don't you collect some of the water and worms in a jar and take it to your local county agricultural office and see what they say? | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 05 Apr 2005 From: Philana Subject: gopher tortoise question! [Museum] Hello, I am writing from the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History. We have an 82 year old gopher tortoise (Gus) who has been living with us for 62 years. We were just wondering if you had any information on indoor enclosures, as the museum is thinking about changing Gus' "home" and we were hoping to find out a bit more before anything gets built. Information on anything including recommended size of enclosure, substrate, built-in burrows, etc. would be useful. Thanks for your time. Philana |
Dear Philana, I have already heard about Gus (and seen pictures) via Ray Ashton with the Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative. Ray is really the best person to give you the information you need. I work with gophers in the wild and rarely keep one in captivity. Ray's website address is http://www.ashtonbiodiversity.org/gtci.php. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2005 From: CDPLAYER5 Subject: gopher tortoise question!?? what do gopher tortoises eat??? |
Gopher tortoises eat a wide variety of low-growing grasses and herbs. The key is diversity in their diet. Research has shown that they not only vary the foods they eat with season, but also with time of day. | ||||||||
| date: thu, 24 mar 2005 from: diane subject: tortoise mating hello, can you tell me if a female tortoise can after mating, store the sperm until she is ready to fertilise her eggs? And still keep some of the same sperm back for future fertilisation and egg laying sessions, if so can she keep the sperm for a year or more? I think i read this somewhere but has not been able to find this information again, so perhaps i have imagined it. Can you help? many thanks, diane |
Dear Diane, One thing I love about doing this "Ask the Expert" thing is that I get to learn so much! I had to go ask a friend of mine the answer to your question. The answer is that no one really knows. It is likely that gopher tortoises can store sperm over the winter, because they are often seen mating in the fall and don't lay eggs until spring. However, there are no data to show that they store sperm any longer than that. If you don't mind my asking, why do you want to know? This is not the typical kind of question that I get. Thanks. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2005 From: Frankie Subject: Help! [watery eyes] My question is this, today I had to give my leopard tortoise back to where I first bought him 3 years ago, but the thing that is bothering me so much, is when we were driving him to the store, he was peeing and pooping real bad, I am sure that it has to do with the ride, but what bothers me the most is when I looked at his face, he was crying. Yes, tears were comming down his face, and again I am sure it has to do with the stress of the ride, but seeing that really hurt me and my girlfriend. Can you please let me know if this is a common thing? Because if isn't then I am going to get him back. Thank you for your help. |
Dear Frank, It is common for turtles and tortoises to have watery eyes when they are stressed. It sounds to me like you are doing the right thing returning the tortoise; it apparently needs professional medical care. Please don't think that your tortoise was "crying" because it was sad. Tortoises are evolutionarily ancient creatures and have small brains. They don't have feelings like we do, and work primarily on instinct. The best thing you can do for the tortoise is what you have done - get it to someone that can take care of its physical problems. |
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| Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 From: mdeeyore Subject: Tortoise found I live in the south Florida area. As I was comming home from work yesterday afternoon I saw this gopher tortoise walking in the middle of the road, mindful that there is no undeveloped areas in my community I went ahead and placed him in my fenced back yard to avoid having a car run over him. Bottom line is that I know these animals are protected, I will like to release it somewhere that is safe, but I do not want any wildlife officers getting any wrong ideas if they see me with him. Have any suggestions? Michael |
Dear Michael, The best thing to do is call your regional office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and ask them what to do. They should come get the tortoise and give it to an educational facility. That is preferable to it becoming road kill or you harboring an illegal animal. P.S. If an officer does come get the tortoise, please try to get them to tell you what they are going to do with it and let me know. I like to keep up with these things whenever possible. Thanks. South Region Office - FFWCC Chuck Collins, Regional Director 8535 Northlake Boulevard West Palm Beach, FL 33412 (561) 625-5122 |
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| Date: Tue, 08 Mar 2005 From: CHRISTEEN Subject: Gopher Tortoises Conservation My husband and I are in the process of having a house built in FL. It was just discovered that there is a gopher tortoise on our property. Will the construction of the house disturb the tortoise? Do you know of somewhere where we can donate(move) the tortoise for its safety? |
Dear Christeen, The best thing to do is look on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website to find out the legal aspects of developing the property. If you have five or fewer tortoises, the permitting process is very straightforward and can likely be done on-line. If you are interested in existing with the tortoise, it is very possible, but you need to take an active role to make sure that the developer honors your wishes. It is often easier to just blast the land without regard to the animals living there, but that is not the way it has to be. With your involvement and some planning, you can probably build your house and let the tortoise go on about its business. Another web site that might be helpful to you is the Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative. Website addresses below. myfwc.com/ (FFWCC) www.ashtonbiodiversity.org (Look at the section for homeowners; there is good information for people in your situation.) |
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| Date: Mon, 07 Mar 2005 From: Gollis53 Subject: GiantTortoise Basic question What is the Giant Tortoises Life Cycle? What does it eat and How does it Protect itself? |
Giant tortoises are not my area of expertise, although I think they are very cool. Look at the following websites for lots of good information. www.thebigzoo.com/Animals/Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise.asp www.rit.edu/~rhrsbi/GalapagosPages/Tortoise.html www.gct.org/tortoise.html |
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| Date: mon, 28 feb 2005 from: ksawdydawg subject: save tortoise for me got tortoise in local area . Empty lot next door will be building new home soon by new owner location port st. Lucie please help, capt. Sawdy |
Dear Capt. Sawdy, If the developer has a permit to either take (kill) or relocate the tortoise, there is little you can do. Call the local building permitting office (city or county, depending on where you are) and ask if the developer has their gopher tortoise permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. If they do not, tell the office that there are tortoises present on the lot. Then call your regional office of the Commission and give them the lot address. Be persistent. Even if you cannot, in the end, save the animal, the developer or owner will have to pay some money that will be used for tortoise conservation elsewhere. It is not a good solution, but the best option we have now.
South Region Office, FFWCC |
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| Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2005 From: Diane Subject: What can we do for our Gopher Turtle? I'm so glad I found your site. We have a Gopher Turtle that has lived on our property since we moved here. We live on ten acres and have a few Gopher holes. They are fairly close to the whole that the turtle in question lives in. We had some work done on our property, and even though our Turtle's whole is marked, a heavy truck ran over her whole, just back from the opening. It caved in the entrance to her whole, and caved in the earth about 2 ft. Is there any way we can save her? Or will she come out of another whole close by, or dig her way out of the same whole? I think they are just now waking up from their hibernation period. We so much want to help her and hope we can get some answers from you. |
It is very possible that the tortoise was not home when the burrow was collapsed. Every tortoise digs several burrows throughout its home range, so it may have been somewhere else. Also, if it was inside the burrow, it probably could have dug its way out if it was not injured. Studies have shown that they can dig out of many situations, although they may not do so for several weeks. I hope you have a happy ending for your story. |
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| Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2005 From: caru-1 Subject: when they come out when do the gopher tortoise come out mostly. |
As a general rule, they are active when the temperature is above 70 degree F. However, if it is raining, or extremely windy they likely won't venture out. Also, even it is warm enough, they are not as active in the winter months, especially in the more northern portions of their range. If there is one thing I have learned about gophers over the years, it is that they don't often follow the rules! | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2005 From: ANNE Subject: Your website Good morning I have just come across your website and found it absolutley wonderful. I have kept tortoises for 35 years and run the Cheshire branch of the British Chelonia Group, a registered charity for the conservation of chelonia worldwide. My sister and I were lucky enough to visit Egmont Key some time ago and see the Gopher tortoise, a wonderful experience. Once a year my group hold a tortoise day(May 14th) to make people more aware of these creatures needs, this year our funds raised are going to the ShellShock campaign. May I take the liberty of asking yourselves if you could support our day by way of posters or such like, which we would either raffle or auction to boost funds. We could promote your work throughout the day, we have an attendance of around 250 people. I will certainly direct colleges to look at your website, which again I must say is super. very best wishes Anne Campbell, Cartref Grosvenor Drive, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1JF |
Hopefully, I can get some material sent to you that would be helpful for your tortoise day. There is a group here called the Gopher Tortoise Council. I think our education person probably has something (posters, brochures, etc.) that we can get to you before May. Let me check with her and I will get back to you as soon as I know something. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2005 From: juana Subject: red ear slyder how can I tell the difference between a male and a female? |
Males typically have a longer tail and/or longer claws. However, both of those characteristics are hard to determine when you only have one turtle (i.e., nothing to compare it with). These also won't work if the turtle is young. Not very helpful, I know, but the best I can do! | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 From: TinaKeen6171 Subject: have a question [mating, feeding] We have 3 gofer tortise that we know of live on our property, our question was. when is there mareing season, as we have observed 2 in one burrow, and they have had alot of head movment as if to be talking, or mateing, just not sure witch one. Also we have been giving them lettuce, romane lettuce. We just wanted to make sure that we are not doing anything we should not be doing. If we can give them any other foods please let us know. We love and enjoy watching them from a distance and are only up close when feeding them, but they dont seem to mind us helping with there food supply, as we have 1/2 acre of woods on our property.thank you,Mark and Tina |
Dear Mark and Tina,
It is illegal to feed gopher tortoises, but it is also not a good idea for health reasons. It is sort of like kids and candy; if they fill up on junk food (lettuce doesn't have the proper nutrients), they won't be interested in finding the foods that they really need. Since you have them on your property, it is fine for you to plant foods that would be good for them. A variety of low-growing grasses and herbs is best. Make sure the plants are native species. There is information on native plants available on-line or through native plant nurseries. When I was radiotracking gopher tortoises on the Space Center, I occasionally found two tortoises in the same burrow. One would assume it was a mating behavior, but most of the time, the tortoises were both males. The head-bobbing thing is also typical behavior for males that are challenging each other. The tortoises you observed were probably two males inserting their dominance over each other in preparation for the spring mating season. |
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| Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 From: Blondindstyx Subject: [soft shell] Is a soft shell of a young gopher turtle normal? |
Young gopher tortoises' shells are soft when they hatch, and slowly get harder as they mature. The shell will not be totally hard until they are around five years old. No wonder they are such easy munchies for so many predators! | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 23 Mar 2005 From: Ann Subject: Gopher Tortoise in my yard [G.T. ?] I believe I had a female Gopher Tortoise lay her eggs in my front yard. Please verify. Beaufort, SC |
 It is definitely not a gopher tortoise. As best as I can tell, it is either a slider or a cooter. Both are water turtles that can grow fairly large. Based on her dull markings and size, I would guess she is fairly old. The eggs should hatch in 8 - 10 weeks. Congratulations! Here is a good website with some natural history information.www.uga.edu/srelherp/turtles/ |
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| Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 From: Roomaster04 Subject: [weight of egg] what is the average weight of a desert tortoise egg? |
I don't know and couldn't find the answer to your question. The eggs are about the size of a ping pong ball, and may change weight over time as the tortoise grows inside. Search on desert tortoise; there are lots of web sites out there with information, and you may eventually find the answer. You might also contact a desert tortoise researcher who might know. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 07 Feb 2005 From: Millie Subject: who do i call We have some gopher tortises in our area, i am afraid when they sell the land on the side of me they will harm them as we have an acre on each side that is not cleared and we see them there all the time. This is in saint cloud florida. millie |
The first thing to do is determine if the property developer has permits to either move or destroy the tortoises. Call your local building permitting agency (probably county or city) with the address and ask about protected wildlife permits. If the owner or developer has a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there is little that can be done. If not, call your regional office of the Wildlife Commission (see below), ask to speak to the wildlife biologist or director, and tell them your concerns. You might also email or write them a letter so that your communication is documented. Be persistent. Many times, the only thing that stops a developer from destroying a tortoise colony without penalty or mitigation costs is one concerned citizen. | ||||||||
| Date: sun, 06 feb 2005 from: iazia subject: difference between female & male painted how can you tell the difference between a female and male turtle. I believe i have painted turtles. Thank you |
Look at the following website for some information on telling males from females. Most of the characteristics are comparative (i.e., males have a longer tail), so it might be difficult to determine sex without having one of each. www.petsforyou.com/painted.html |
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| Date: Thu, 03 Feb 2005 From: Shedogg86 Subject: Gopher tortoise [eggs] I had found a gopher tortoise digging in my yard in early November and it was laying eggs so I guess they should be hatching in march sometime. I was wondering what to do when they hatch because the nest is right by the road? and I was also wondering because of the temperature dropping so low I was wondering if it would effect the eggs any way? |
Did the eggs hatch?? We can only assume that the turtle knew what she was doing when she put them there, at least as far as temperature goes. Often when the tortoise habitat in an area is overgrown (due to lack of fire) or is developed, the only open space to dig a nest cavity is on the road shoulder. Because the tortoise is a protected species, it is illegal to move or disturb the nest. My suggestion is to watch and see what happens. If you see tortoises (adults or young) wandering in the road, just carry them to the closest place where they will be out of imminent danger and release them. Don't put them in a car and take them a far way; that is also illegal. Hopefully, the nest will hatch (or already has), and there will be more tortoises out there. We need them. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 From: Ginny Subject: gopher tortoise nest I was delighted to find your site. I live on a 3 acre wooded parcel and over the years have seen many different types of wildlife. Yesterday, to our delight, we found a turtle making a nest and laying her eggs. After taking her picture, we researched and found that it is a gopher turtle and is protected. Since she made her nest in the driveway and once she left the area, we put a small visible fence around the area simply to prevent anyone from driving on it and to keep the dogs away. Once the babies hatch - in 80-110 days they are welcome to make themselves at home where ever they choose. We will be awaiting the blessed event, hoping that all her eggs are fertile and knowing that we have done the only thing we could do to allow them to hatch and have a chance for survival. Once there are signs of life, the barrier will be opened up and the dogs will be confined and we will make sure everyone who comes by is awar! e of the turtles and watches for them to prevent accidents. I am happy to do my part by living and let live the creatures that make their way through my land. There are two very large indigo snakes that wander through...alarming at first...but then going their way. We have seen wood storks, roseate spoonbills and a bobcat. There is a large female deer that visits every year between Christmas and New Years. We believe we have seen a Florida panther as well, but will reserve confirmation until we can actually identify it clearly.. In addition there are armadillos, raccoons and squirrels as well as some wood peckers..pileated, I believe. We delight in watching them all and are very careful not to startle or interrupt when possible. My 18 years here have been a learning experience and we have fournd that just letting things be, you can find and enjoy the most amazing things. I never realized when we moved here how important our decisions would be. We cleared only enough land for the home and cleared the widest open space, removing only a few trees and left the rest pretty pristine. Just thought you might enjoy knowing that some of us really do care...I STOP FOR TURTLES ! Ginny |
It sounds to me like you are living in Eden, and it is so nice that you feel that way, too. Keep up the good work and know that you are appreciated. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 From: Jamtam90 Subject: baby tortoise In 2003 a tortoise made a nest on the south side of my house. I watched it deposit the eggs (probably only 3) in April and waited (nervously) for them to hatch. One day in Sept. I came home and noticed the ground opened up. They had hatched! But I never saw one until April 2004. It always came around our house and seemed to approach us when we were outside. May 30th I had a large party at our house and was in the backyard when I told everybody to watch where they stepped because we had a new baby walking around. Well my cousin picked it up and moved it to the back part of my property and we haven't seen it since! My question is - do you have any clue as to what might have happened to it. Only ask because from early April until late May we saw it almost everyday. Now I am saddened because now it is almost 9 months since we last saw it. Thanks. PS Riverview is losing so many it is really depressing. I am a letter carrier and I see a lot of them. But this past summer I saw too many dead ones! |
It is unusual to see hatchlings in the wild because it is smart for them to stay hidden for several years to avoid predators. The vast majority of them don't make it to adulthood for a variety of reasons, so I cannot tell you that the young one you had is still alive. However, hope for the best and keep your eyes open. He may turn up! | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 12 Mar 2005 From: Harris Subject: [pets?] do gopher tortesis make good pets |
Gopher tortoises are legally protected in all the states where they occur. It is against the law to keep one, harass, harm, etc., etc. Please just leave the tortoises alone where they hopefully will survive and find mates to help keep the species from becoming extinct. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 12 Mar 2005 From: Jacksonscalling Subject: I'm from Florida Hello, on my property I found a perfect, large, dirty gopher shell. We have a lot of gopher holes on our 9 acres, and I hope one day I see live gophers to observe and admire. Do you know how I could clean this empty shell and how I could preserve it to use in our log cabin my husband and I are building here in Chiefland, FL?? Katherine |
Because gopher tortoises are legally protected by the State of Florida, you cannot possess pieces or parts without a permit. My suggestion is that you leave it outside and let the sun/wind/humidity clean it up and just enjoy it there. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 From: Scaglionepr Subject: What Kind of Animals Are in Gopher Holes? Hi I live in Port Richey Florida. We have many, many Gopher Turtles in our rented area. I have no problem with the turtles. The problem is we are so near fast traffic the poor animals are constantly hit. Plus, the babies are also found run over in the parking lot. They really need to be moved. We have rather large gophers. Some up to 17". I did try to contact the State but they just gave me the run around. Since the Hurricanes, I haven't seen as many. But the question is my dog did get bit by a snake a few weeks ago. I know rattlesnakes go in the burrows. My home is surrounded by at least 5 huge burrows about 50 feet away on a sandy hill. I wish they can move the turtles for thier protection.Plus, I would hate to see the next snake be a rattle snake and bite one of the children that play here. (There are more burrows here-these are just in my back yard). The main thing is, I am really curious as to what other animals live in turtle holes. Thanks. Donna |
The problem you describe is, unfortunately, very common. The reason that the State did not come out and rescue the tortoises from a bad situation is because they have nowhere to put them. Development in Florida has/is taking the last remnants of habitat for tortoises and most other wildlife, and soon these animals will only be able to survive in protected parks. Regarding rattlesnakes: The chances of the kids getting struck by lightning or hit by a car are many, many times greater than they are for getting bitten by a rattler. Tell them to leave all snakes alone, just to watch and enjoy them. Your dog probably got bitten because he was messing with a snake. Snakes will always choose not to fight unless they are forced. There have been over 300 different species of animals documented using gopher tortoise burrows. If you search on the web for "gopher tortoise burrow commensals", you will get to some good sites. |
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| Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2005 From: Rowdychyna Subject: Egg shell texture A young neighbor boy came running up to me, all excited; " look what I found! Clutched in his small 8 years old hands was an egg. I smiled and said "Oh, you must have found a duck egg. No! it's a turtle egg." I looked at it (without touching it) and said, "I'm not so sure. I thought turtle eggs were a little on the leathery side." He was pretty adamant, and said, "uh huh. My neighbor told me it was one." I looked closely, It was elongated, oval with a thin paper shell. |
From your description, the boy's egg was likely from a snake. They are usually elongated with a thin, flexible shell. Turtle eggs are round, and more sturdy than a snake egg, but not as hard as a bird egg. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 From: Snakewoman007 Subject: gophers [holes dangerous?] we have several holes in our property we are just started to clear how do we know if these are holes being used or simply old unused holes. we have never seen a turtle here ? if they are here is there a way of relocating them. trying to used this for horse pASTURE BUT WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE THEM EXCEPT THE HOLES LOK TO DANGEROUS for the horses. please give me what innfo you have thank you |
Gopher tortoises are protected by the State of Florida (and other states where they occur), so it is illegal to relocate them without a permit. If you are wanting to put horses in the pasture, they should be o.k. if you mark the burrows with stakes and flagging tape so that the horses can see them. Just be sure you don't block the burrow entrance with a stake. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 From: Bernadette Subject: [sea turtle offspring] On average,how many offsprings does a sea turtle produce each year? |
There are five different species of marine turtles that occupy Florida waters; four of them are known to nest here.
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| Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 From: Redcometcd Subject: (no subject) [Long Leaf Pine] Why is the Long Leaf Pine so important to the "Gopher Tortoise"..????......do they eat parts of it???.....WHAT? Thanks, Eva |
It is not specifically the pine itself that is important to the tortoise, but the entire longleaf pine ecosystem. That tree grows in high, dry sandy soils with lots of low-growing plants and openings on the forest floor. The canopy is not dense, so there is plenty of sunshine. All of those characteristics (and others) make the longleaf pine habitat exceptionally good for tortoises. It provides a place where they can easily dig burrows and find abundant food. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 From: Cien Subject: carissa What is a gopher tortoise? |
A gopher tortoise is a reptile. Is that what you mean? Search the internet and you will get loads of information. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 From: Mizgator2000 Subject: (no subject) [treats] We have a gopher turtle in yard and would like to feed it treats. What can I feed it, it like banannas and lettuce but don't to feed it something harmful. Please help. I really enjoy having it around. Thank you, Lori |
Dear Lori, It is illegal to feed a gopher tortoise "treats" because they are a protected species under Florida law. However, if you plant low-growing, native vegetation, your yard will be more attractive to the tortoise. Plant a variety of things so there is plenty for him to choose from. That way, you will be legal, and the tortoise will be healthier. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 08 Mar 2005 From: "rdperry5 Subject: Found Hatchling Our next door neighbor found this hatchling in his backyard when he was using the weedeater. We live in a suburb in NW Florida. Can you help us to identify it? I thought it might be a gopher tortoise, but now I'm really not sure. Thanks for your help. |
 It is an eastern box turtle hatchling. |
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| Date: Mon, 07 Feb 2005 From: Millie Subject: who do i call We have some gopher tortises in our area, i am afraid when they sell the land on the side of me they will harm them as we have an acre on each side that is not cleared and we see them there all the time. This is in saint cloud florida. |
Call your regional office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Ask for the biologist when you call. If that doesn't work, ask for the director. Be persistent! | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 09 Jan 2005 From: DanKitt Subject: Gopher [remove shell?] How do gopher tortoise's remove there shell when they get to big for there old shell? And how long do they live? And how do you tell how old they are? Thank you Andrew 11 years old |
A tortoise keeps its shell from the time it is born until it dies. The shell is an outgrowth of its bones and grows as the tortoise (and other turtles) grows. Gopher tortoises are thought to live around 70 years in the wild. Once a tortoise is an adult, you can't tell how old it is. Thanks for the good questions. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 06 Jan 2005 From: Charles Subject: gopher tortoise Are the gopher tortoise nocturnal?? |
Tortoises are thought to be strictly diurnal (out only during the day). However, a good friend of mine that works with tortoises has seen one out at night on a couple of different occasions. That is definitely the exception. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 02 Jan 2005 From: Gary Smith Subject: Gofer Tortoise [fence] My friend is buying a new house and she wants to have a fence installed. We found a burrow marked w/flags about 15 feet from where her property ends and where the fence will be installed. Can she install her privacy fence even though is not 25 feet from the burrow? The burrow is not on her property, it's behind her property in a wooded empty lot. Thanks! |
It doesn't matter if the burrow is on her property or not, it is illegal to disturb the area within 25 feet of the burrow without a permit. If your friend goes online to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website, she can get the information she needs and even apply for a permit online (I am assuming you are in Florida; if not, contact your state wildlife agency). It will be an easy process and will save problems later. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 02 Jan 2005 From: Patty & Larry Subject: Leopard tortoise Hi. My name's Alex and I have realized that my baby leopard tortoise's bottom shell is softer than usual. Is this normal? |
A soft shell is a sign of something being wrong. It could be the diet, housing, light, or heat. Try to get some professional help, like a vet or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to look at the tortoise. Also go on-line and look at information on proper care so you can figure out what you are missing. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 From: rachael Subject: gopher tortoise question [baby] We found a baby gopher turtle a few months ago in the middle of the road in the neighborhood we live in and some teenage boys were messing with it. We brought it home and have been feeding it because we were afraid to let it go- there are also train tracks right behind our house where it could get run over. I was reading your website and learned that it is illegal to keep one and that we should let it go near where we found it. We would like to let it go. Will it be okay since we've been feeding it several months? Also should we let it go near our home or can we let it go in a safer place with not so many dangers of getting run over, etc.? Please let us know so we can do the best thing for it. Thank you. |
The best (and legal) thing you can do for the tortoise is release it near where you found it, out of immediate harm's way. Look for a burrow in the vicinity, or place it under some vegetation, like palmetto fronds. It should be able to eat on its own; tortoises work more on instinct than brains and when it gets hungry and sees food, it will eat. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 28 Dec 2004 From: Vickvanlegal Subject: Russian Totrtoise I have a question that I am hoping you can help me with. I have a Russian tortoise "Rosie" who has become a big part of our family. We had Rosie for three years and two weeks ago noticed that Rosie was acting strange. Her shell became softer, she was eating much less and sleeping most of the time. Its almost impossible to wake her up and she only eats a little when I hand feed her. I was told that her tank was too small for her so we quickly changed it and improved her lighting system. What can be possibly wrong? I tried to find a tortoise vet in my area but I am having a difficult time finding one. Can you give me any ideas of what might be wrong? Thanks Vicky |
Dear Vicky, There are all kinds of possibilities that might be the cause of her distress, and I can only suggest that you keep looking for professional medical help. If a vet can't be located, try a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, a local "herp" club, or a university with a reptile person. |
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| Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 From: Sarel Subject: Tortoise blood colour Has a tortoise got blood & if so what colour ? |
Yes, gopher tortoises have blood (all tortoises have blood) and it is dark red. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 07 Dec 2004 From: lifebrighteners Subject: Gopher Tortoise I am in a neighborhood that has just started to develop after 30 years, The lands are being cleared and they are covering gopher tortoise dwellings is this legal. I never bother the ones on my acreage because they are so great but many northerners are coming to Citrus County like many other counties and are destroying everything that was once great about this county. Please help with any information you can give. Jean. |
Jean, This is the problem for gopher tortoises and lots of other animals all over. Gopher tortoises are legally protected by the State of Florida as a species of special concern. Permits can be acquired with money that allow tortoises to be destroyed or moved, and the money is used to buy and manage large tracts of tortoise habitat in mitigation parks. There are some websites that you can explore for more information. One is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission myfwc.com/. The other two are by non-profit conservation organizations: the Gopher Tortoise Council www.gophertortoisecouncil.org/index.htm, and the Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative www.ashtonbiodiversity.org/gtci.php. Hope this is helpful. Feel free to write me back. |
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| Date: Mon, 06 Dec 2004 From: Todd Subject: Gopher Picture Thought you might like this picture. I took it today while I was out hunting in Marion County, Mississippi. I took several pictures and this turned out to be the best one. |
 What a great picture! I do lots of educational presentations. Would you mind if I used that picture sometimes? I can put your name on the bottom corner as the photographer if you would like.
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| Date: Sun, 05 Dec 2004 From: annbeso Subject: Gopher Tortoises [water] How much water should I give my gopher tortoises? |
Gopher tortoises are legally protected, so unless you have a permit from the State (no matter where you live) or from the federal government, you cannot keep tortoises in captivity. Do you have a permit? If not, please write me back and we will try to figure out what to do that will keep you out of trouble and be the best for the tortoises. Tortoises get the water they need from the vegetation they eat and don't typically "drink". |
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| Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2004 From: Doit2xs Subject: Size How do you tell the size? Do you start from the front of the shell by the head and back to the tail? If this is the correct way I get 13.5 in. Is the plough between the legs on male and females? This one is flat on the bottom so it is a female. Thanks |
There are a couple of ways to measure a tortoise or turtle. The standard scientific way is with an instrument called a calliper (if you don't know what that is, search the web for a picture; that will help you understand). One tip of the calliper goes behind the head and the other tip is placed on the farthest part of the shell above the tail. That is called the straight-line measurement. The other, easier way is the over-the-curve measurement. A tape measure is placed behind the head and stretched flat along the back until the bottom edge of the top shell. Males are concave on the bottom shell between the back legs; females are perfectly flat. I must tell you that gopher tortoises are protected and it is illegal for you to keep, feed, kill, or harass (including measure) them without a permit. |
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| Date: Fri, 26 Nov 2004 From: ROBIN Subject: [basic questions] how big are they? What do they eat? how long do they live? Where do they live? Thank you. Brad |
Brad, Adults are 9 - 15 inches; hatchlings are almost 2 inches. They eat low-growing herbs and grasses. They have lived in captivity to 100 years old, but can probably live 60 - 70 years in the wild. They dig burrows in dry, sandy habitats and feed there and along the edges of wetlands. They also like disturbed areas where the dirt is soft and plants are small. |
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| Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2004 From: Donna Subject: [small gash] I have a turtle. It is a Red-Eared Slider. It has a small gash under it's mouth. What should I do. |
The best thing to do would be take it to a vet that has some reptile experience and let him/her give the turtle a shot of antibiotics. If you can't do that, you might try putting a topical antibiotic ointment on the gash. The problem with treating it yourself is that infections take a very long time to become obvious in turtles (because they are cold-blooded). The turtle might not be well for several months. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 From: kiersten Subject: hi [eating my rabbit's food] hi i found a gopher tortoise in my backyard it has been for like 2 weeks i think it as made its self at home it think it is there because we my rabbit got out of its cage i leave food water veggies and i have a house for it and every day when i go put more food in the veggies are gone i don't know if its my rabbit or the tourist i was wondering would that be illegal to feed it even tho its for my rabbit thank you Kiersten |
Dear Kiersten, That is a tough problem. It would be illegal to put food out for the tortoise, and it is not really good for the tortoise. Its dietary requirements are pretty complicated, and if it is filling up on rabbit food instead of finding the food that it needs, it might not be all that healthy. Is there habitat for the tortoise near where you live? Are you in a developed neighborhood? If the tortoise has access to natural food (low-growing herbs and grasses), then you should probably put the rabbit food where the tortoise can't get it so it will go back to its regular diet. However, if you think the tortoise is eating the rabbit food because it has to, then I would just let it be. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 From: tracie Subject: food - bite? what do a gopher turtle eat?????do they bite? |
Gopher tortoises are vegetarians and eat low growing herbs and grasses. They don't have teeth, but a hard plate that is like a bird's beak. They can bite, but don't very often bite people. |
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| Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 From:Cheryl Subject: Does a tortoise walk or crawl? My 8th grade students have asked me: Does a tortoise walk or crawl? What do you call the way they move? Thanks, Cheryl Dougan |
Hi Cheryl, That's a good one!! After some pondering, I think a tortoise walks. When a human baby "crawls", it is on its hands and knees, which is an intermediary phase before walking. A tortoise moves on its four feet and that is as good as it ever gets. Does that make sense? People could probably argue that back and forth for hours, so bring it up at your next holiday party! | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 16 Nov 2004 From: Carol Subject: Henry [feed bread?] Hi Becky, We moved here to Florida 6 years ago, and bought an acre and a half, we have about 6 Gopher Tortoise's living here with us. I have one in particular that likes to come up our ramp and knock on the door. He is looking for bread and grapes. I named him Henry. My question is will the bread harm him in anyway. He sure likes it, and uses the grapes to wash it down. Then after eating he heads back down the ramp and goes back to his burrow. I also found a little one a few weeks back. I put him back where I found him. He's the second one we have seen here. We seem to have an abundance of them. I really think they are neat creatures. Enclosed is a picture we have taken of Henry. Carol |
Carol, Bread does not provide Henry with the nutrients that a gopher tortoise needs to be healthy, so it is not good if he is filling up on that and neglecting to eat other things. I have attached a chapter from a workbook that a friend of mine wrote for people who are sharing space with tortoises. It should be helpful for you. The chapter is copyrighted, so please use it for your own education only. Write back if you need any more information. P.S. Cute picture! Photo of "Henry" that came with the inquiry.  |
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| Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2004 From: Keri Subject: hibernation Thank you so much for your informative website. When my son and I moved onto this property in North FL, in July '97, we found we had a previous owner. His is a large gopher turtle that we have afftectionately named "Franklin". We don't bother him. The problem is now that we have a dog, that is two, she is fascinated with the turtle and circles him, barking at him, and I run her off so he won't get upset and urinate, which I was told his alot of his water. My question is this: during the day, or anytime I am not at home, my dog is on a tye-out and cannot get to Franklin. However, as winter approaches, I would like for her to be able to get under my porch for warmth, and out of the elements. BUT I will not release her until I know that Franklin has gone underground for the winter. The nights have reached 45-50 degrees, has he begun his hibernation yet? I am very concerned about our old friend and know that he is endangered and would be horrified [and held responsible] if ! something were to happen to him. I won't let my dog run free in the back yard until I know the coast is clear. Any suggestions would be great. Thank you in advance for your help. P.S. I am also one of those people that will turn around to pick up a turtle in the middle of the road and help him on his way. I usually approach him and tell him I am here to give him a jump start off the road, and I never change their direction. I know the law says to leave them alone, but I don't want to drive back by and see him hit, hurt or killed. Thanks, Keri and Austin |
Hi Keri and Austin, Thanks for being so concerned about Franklin and putting his well-being on top of the priority list. In central Florida where I am, the tortoises don't hibernate and may come out on any day that the temperature is above 70 degrees. I assume that a tortoise would come out in north Florida on a warm day as well. You could just keep an eye on the forcast and tie the dogs up if the weather is going to be warm. Also, once a tortoise becomes adult-sized, most dogs can't injure it unless they are really large. The concern about the tortoise "losing its water" is very true for desert tortoises out west, but is not that big of an issue for gopher tortoises. I had a "handicapped" tortoise for several years. In the beginning, my two 20 lb. dogs would bark at him and get in his face; the tortoise didn't seem to even notice, much less care. After the novelty wore off, they just ignored him. Maybe all of them can learn to coexist. |
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| Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 From: Pejsmc Subject: food chain do you know the gopher tortoise food chain? |
Gopher tortoises are herbivores and eat low growing weeds, herbs, and grasses. When they are young and small, and their shells are still soft, they are food for many carnivores. These include a variety of birds, skunks, cats, dogs, snakes, raccoons, rats, and pigs. The eggs of gopher tortoises are also highly vunerable to predation. Once a tortoise is adult-size and the shell is hard (10 - 15 years old), there are not many animals that can bother them. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 08 Nov 2004 From: Nancy Subject: Tortoise under the house Dear Becky, We have, we think, two gopher tortoises and we enjoy them. However one has burrowed under the house despite our attempts at blocking the area. We are worried about the foundation. Any advise please. Also when do they lay eggs and is it out of the burrow? Nancy |
Hi Nancy, I have seen and heard of many tortoises digging burrows under buildings and other structures and have never been told of a problem. I feel confident that your foundation is fine. Gopher tortoises typically lay eggs in the spring and it takes an average of 90 days for the clutch to hatch. The best known nest location is within the sandy mound that is in front of the burrows they dig, usually about 8 - 10 inches under the sand. If you have seen eggs above the ground, they were likely either depredated from a nest, or a female just shed them for some reason. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 08 Nov 2004 From: Kerry Subject: Found Sulcata in NW FL Hi Becky, First let me say I think the work you're doing on the forum to educate and help all of us who want to help our "turtle and tortoise friends" is to be commended. How do you find the time with your undoubtedly busy schedule? :) I happened upon a beautiful tortoise as I was coming home last week. After much research, the Vet, the folks over on the TurtleTrust Forum and I believe she is a beautiful African Spurred Tortoise. She is about 10-12 inches long and the folks who have several already say she's about 3-5 years old. The vet says she's in perfect health. This isn't really so much for the board, I just saw your post about your friend with the Tortoise ranch (the young person with the Leopard Tortoise) and thought I'd ask if he were interested in adopting "Kaya" (her African name). I would love to keep her, but my husband is retiring in a month and said he would divorce me if I brought home one more animal. We've been waiting for 26 years so we could both finally retire from the air Force and start to travel. I can't let her go as she isn't indigenous and would most certainly be road kill or a red-neck doggy chew-toy. If your Torti expert would be interested, plz feel free to forward this e-mail to him. Thanks again for everything. Sincerely, Kerry |
Hi Kerry, Thanks for letting me know that you appreciate the website and information. It is time-consuming to keep up with the questions, but education is one of the most important things we must do for conservation. Our web master is great and makes it all as simple for me as possible. I forwarded your email to my friend and asked him to contact you if he will take the tortoise. He is good about answering, so one of us should hear from him soon. If he doesn't want the tortoise, I will help you figure out what to do with it. Retirement and travel sound like much more fun than tortoise keeper! Becky |
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| Date: Mon, 08 Nov 2004 From: Mike Subject: tortise [Massachusetts] i live in mass and i am from a small town so pretty much every one knows i love turtles and will often drop them of in my yard if they are found on the street or somthing, so the other day i came home and there was a box on my steps it was an adult pair or gopher tortises, i am in the proses of trying to get permits to keep them, but i was wondering how i can set them up so they will be comfy and what should i feed them and what temp should they be at? if you could help me find a care sheet or somthing that would be great. thanks so much for your time. |
Dear Mike, You have a dilemma. Massachusetts is not gopher tortoise country, that is for sure. The tortoises are going to have to have pretty specific living conditions in order to survive there. Unfortunately, because it is illegal to keep gophers in captivity, there is not a "care sheet" available. My suggestion is that you consider taking the tortoises to a wildlife rehabilitator or a zoo that will have the indoor facilities to keep them healthy. If you need help finding someone, please write me back and I will find a contact for you. Please do not attempt to keep them yourself unless you have an appropriate place to do so. If they are left outside, they will die over the winter. Are you absolutely sure they are gopher tortoises? |
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| Date: Tue, 02 Nov 2004 From: Iceangeljeannie Subject: turtles and tortoises What are the differents between turtles and tortoises? |
The word "tortoise" is not really a scientific designation, but a layperson term. It refers to a turtle that spends its life on the land (as opposed to in the water). Examples are gopher tortoises and Galapagos tortoises. However, box turtles also spend their lives on the land and nobody ever calls them box tortoises. The best way to think about this is: all tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 01 Nov 2004 From: Judi Subject: must feed - urgent Urgent need your help. .......We are tenting our house for termites and a female gopher tortoise made her nest right against the foundation of our house. They tell us everything within 2 feet of the house will be poisoned, so we caught her last night and I have her in a cage for now. We can put her back in her borrow in 4 days after the poison is gone. But what do I feed her in the meantime ??? Judi |
Hi Judi. Good job on capturing her. That is usually the most difficult part. If it is only going to be a few days, don't worry about feeding. It would be better for the tortoise if you don't feed her. Tortoises often go weeks to months without feeding, so she will be fine. Give her something to hide in, either by draping a dark cloth over the cage or putting another box inside the cage (to simulate a burrow). If possible, keep her in a shady, but not air conditioned place (garage, if it doesn't get too hot during the day, or somewhere protected outside where dogs or raccoons can't get in the cage). Avoid direct sunlight. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2004 From: Gerry Subject: [endangered started?] How did gopher tortoises start to become endangered |
Hi, Before the 1980s, it was legal to eat tortoises or keep them as pets. Now that they are legally protected, the biggest threats are loss of habitat to development, lack of good habitat managment, road mortality, and disease. Look at the Gopher Tortoise Council website (www.gophertortoisecouncil.org/index.htm ) for a nice discussion. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 28 Oct 2004 From: Sandy Subject: Mystery Sand Piles in Yard What luck, finding this site! My husband and I were outside enjoying the day from our swing, when he noticed these rather large piles of sand in the yard. From a distance they appeared to ant hills. Upon closer investigation, it appears that someone has dug up some sand, the amount of about 1/2 a five gallon bucker and just dumped it on the lawn. The only holes anywhere are that of a gopher turtle. We have two that we know of on the property, but I am sure there are more. Is it possible for the turtle to carry the sand and "dump it"? The one I noticed today that is new is nearly 25 yards from the hole. I took pictures and am attaching them. There are 12 piles of sand that I counted. You can see in one of the photo's what appears to be some kind of markings. Hmmmm, Curious is Odessa, Florida |
Dear Sandy, The first three pictures look like pocket gopher mounds to me (look at www.enature.com/flashcard/show_flash_card.asp?recordNumber=MA0104 for a good description). The fourth picture appears to be an abandoned gopher tortoise burrow, and the fifth one might be a juvenile tortoise burrow (it is difficult to tell). Your land looks very nice and you are lucky to have such great "neighbors".
The photos that came with the inquiry:
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| Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2004 From: Donna Subject: gopher tortoise Hi again, I just wrote you about whether or not the gopher tortoise could damage a house's foundation. I have read many of your responses to others, and I am assuming the answer is no. Are there any negatives to having these tortoises in my yard? Thanks, Donna |
Hi Donna, Having a tortoise in the yard is viewed as a great thing by some (me, for example) and a not-so-great thing by others. Folks worry about nice, even green grass and don't like the appearance of a burrow. A tortoise can do a real number on your vegetables and flowers, too. However, if you can get past those types of concerns, having a tortoise around is wonderful. I have attached a chapter from a book that a friend of mine wrote about "backyard" tortoises. It is copyrighted, so please just use it for your own education. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2004 From: JaideXL Subject: Baby Tortoise I have a friend who received a baby tortoise that I believe is a Florida Gopher, although I could be mistaken. I am trying to find many detailed photos of juveniles to compare to. I believe she is confusing it's appearance with that of other full grown species. I also want to show her the penalties for keeping a Gopher tortoise, but I am having trouble finding it. Please help me help the tortoise. Thank you |
Hi, I have attached a couple of hatchling tortoise pictures. Hopefully, they will clear up any confusion. Gopher tortoises are protected by the State of Florida and it is illegal to keep, harass, or harm in any way. If your friend has a tortoise, she needs to try and find out where it came from, take it back there and release it. ASAP! The only native tortoise we have here is the gopher tortoise. Box turtles will sometimes dig holes or use burrows, but they look very different.
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| Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2004 From: Bob and Anita Subject: baby gopher turtle We live in southern Al., on a heavily wooded area. We have several resident gopher turtles in various areas of our property, which is about 20 acres. Occasionally we will find a baby gopher turtle. (Size= fits in the palm of your hand.) We know enough to let nature fend for itself, however we keep finding the baby turtles dead. Recently we found a live one and we would like to protect it , if possible. Not sure if we should put it near another turtles nest or what. Any suggestions? (The baby was not found near any nest) . Also, how old do they have to be before they can fend for themselves? Thanks for your input. A&B in LA,AL. |
You are right to let the young tortoises find their own way. Not only is it a legal requirement, but a sound biological principle as well. However, it is strange that you are finding hatchlings dead but not eaten. I would take the live one and put it near where you found it. Hatchlings will use adult burrows for cover, or will hide out underneath ground cover. They also can dig their own burrows. Take it to a good place, let it go when the weather is warm (> 70 degrees), don't sit it in direct sunlight, pat its little head and wish it luck! That is really the best you can do. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 20 Oct 2004 From: wilna Subject: gopher tortoise [cute] GOPHER TURTLES ARE REALY CUTE |
I agree. Tortoises are really cute, and wonderful, and interesting. They are not too smart, but they make up for that with good instincts! Thanks for writing. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 18 Oct 2004 From: Ms. Morvan Subject: Baby Red-eared sliders I am trying to find info on the net about feeding these little guys but, as it is illegal in the states to sell them at less than four inches, I can't seem to locate an proper info! They are about 1 1/4" long and we have two. They do not seem to like their turtle food at all. They eat insects, but only if they are still alive, which is difficult to do. They will not eat greens, papaya, or any vegetable. I am going to try small earh worms today, but need any suggestions I can get! Thanks for your time! |
Here are four excellent web sites, and there are links to others on those. Read them carefully, because taking good care of the turtles will require proper feeding, habitat, temperature, and lighting. It is not easy, but is worth the effort if done correctly. Write back if I can help. Becky Smith
www.anapsid.org/reslider.html |
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| Date: Sun, 17 Oct 2004 From: bill & yolanda Subject: gopher turtle nesting Good Day, We are writing you today because we got to witness an awesome event. We seen, what we believe to be a gopher turtle, nesting in our neighbors back yard. Our houses are backed up to a small nature preserve, so that would be expected. We called wildlife management & the young lady who contacted us didn't seem all that alarmed. Under natural conditions, I guess it would not be. We are just a little concerned because our neighbors has several children who are a bit rambunctious. In addition, when they hatch, wont the babies have the tendency to head towards our street lights? I know they are an endangered & would like them to have every opportunity of survival. Do you have any recommendations? Mr & Mrs Van Der Velden |
Dear Van Der Veldens, That is a really neat thing to see! You are lucky to have wild animals so close; not that many people do anymore. It might be helpful to tell your neighbors that gopher tortoises are legally protected and that they are responsible to make sure that their kids or pets do not harm the adults or hatchlings. As far as going toward the lights, that is only applicable to sea turtle hatchlings, because they cue off of the reflections in the ocean to find their way. The gophers will probably just wander around looking for a safe place. It should take around 80 days for the eggs to hatch. When they do, you might move the babies to the "safe side" of the fence so they are bait. Don't take them far, just out of the yard where they can find some cover. | ||||||||
| Date: sun, 17 oct 2004 from: george subject: [russian tortoise not eating] My friend has a russian tortoise female, that does not wnat to eat, she drinks waterr fine but refuses to eat, any suggestions ? She is also very slow moving & inactive, although she is extremely friendly & loves having her little neck scratched. |
Hi, People often do not realize how difficult it is to keep turtles and tortoises healthy. Have your friend get on-line and look for information on Russian tortoise care. Not only are food and water important, but also sunlight, temperature, vitamins, etc. Another option is to find an expert near where you live to give you some hands-on advice. Whatever you do, don't ignore the problem because a tortoise can be suffering for a long time before they actually get sick enough to die. You don't want that to happen, I am sure. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 From: Tinkabelle1721 Subject: baby turtle I found a baby turtle this afternoon and was wondering what kind it is. It is aggressive,has an orange belly,dark brown or black shell. It is only about an inch long. |
Hi, I really cannot tell you what the turtle might be without a picture. My suggestion is that you look in a field guide or on the net to identify it. Look at things besides color. For example, do its feet have webs or claws? What is the shape of its bill? Is the shell flat or domed? If you cannot figure it out yourself, write me back. Sending a digital picture to me would be the best. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 From: PaipaiB Subject: box turtles Hi, do box turtles need friends?I have a baby box turtle and I might be getting another.Is it safe to have them together, will they like the company? From:Cora |
Dear Cora, Box turtles are fairly primitive animals and rely on instinct and not intelligence. Therefore, they do not have the need or awareness of friends. Don't worry that your turtle is lonely. All he cares about is food, water, shelter, and predators. Please do not take box turtles, or any other animals, out of the wild. Keeping turtles is more difficult than people often realize because their dietary and temperature requirements are fairly complicated. Removing animals from the wild not only takes that animal out of the population, but also all of its reproductive potential. That can have a big, long-term effect. It is very easy to buy turtles from a dealer or pet store that have been born in captivity. That is a much better alternative. |
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| Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 From: tanya Subject: reptiles how often do they...[eggs hatch] How often do reptiles lay eggs and how lond does it take to hatch? I can't find this information any where else! PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
Hi. Unfortunately, you are not asking a question with a single, easy answer. There are many kinds of reptiles (turtles and tortoises, crocodiles and alligators, lizards, and snakes). Some lay eggs and some have live young. Some produce several clutches of eggs in a year, while others lay eggs once every other or every few years. If you can make your question more specific, I will be able to help you better. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 From: Gary Subject: Relocation of tortoises with URTD Dear Friends, I am the City Planner for Lake Mary. We have just approved a 160 acre mixed-use PUD. The development of this property will involve the relocation or taking of gopher tortoises. We are aware that infected tortoises are usually not relocated; however, the mayor has heard that there is a place that infected tortoises may be relocated. He could not remember the name of the place, so he has directed staff to search out the information about such a place. If you have any information about a place where infected tortoises may be relocated, I'd be very appreciative for the information. Thanks, Gary |
Dear Greg, My suggestion is that you call your regional office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:
Northeast Regional Service Center Tell them who you are and ask for the biologist. Another helpful option in your area would be the Wekiwa State Park. Again, identify yourself and ask for the biologist. His name is Rick Owen (tell him I sent you to get advice). Wekiwa State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712; (407) 884-2008 Is there any opportunity to leave part of the 160 acres as an on-site relocation area? That might be your best, cheapest, least stressful on everyone option. |
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| Date: Mon, 11 Oct 2004 From: Jennifer Subject: research Hello! This is probably a different question than you usually get - as I am a college student. I would like to do a research paper on the critical analysis of the protection policy for the gopher tortoise. I have been on the FWC site and others, but I just havent gotten enough factual information on the policy. I was wondering if you had any advice. I have the "Available Options to Address the presence of gopher tortoises...." article. I am mainly looking for articles. Thank you for any help you can offer. Jennifer PS I have emailed the FFWCC about getting a copy of the petition to make the GT a "threatened species" but I have not heard from them |
Hi Jennifer, I will do what I can to help. Look at this part of the FFWCC web site: http://wld.fwc.state.fl.us/permits/permits.html Also, if you are located in Florida, you might contact your regional office of the FFWCC and speak to their tortoise biologist. You can find the regional office contact info at: http://myfwc.com/aboutus/regnoffc.html The Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative also has good information: http://www.ashtonbiodiversity.org/gtci.php Best of luck and let me know if I can help more. Once you finish your paper, I would love to see it, if you don't mind. |
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| Date: Mon, 11 Oct 2004 From: DKIDDER Subject: Gopher Tortoises I have an adult pair of Gopher Toroises in a vacant lot behind my house, ther is also some younger ones there now. I live in the southside of Jacksonville. |
Hi. That is great news that not only are there adults, but that they are reproducing. Enjoy watching them! | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 05 Oct 2004 From: Bonnie Subject: Gopher Turtle? Is the turtle that lives on our property a gopher turtle? I hope you can see the photo. Bonnie Guerra |
Dear Bonnie, Our web master sent me the picture and I can see it just fine. Yes, it is a tortoise. You may already know this, but they are legally protected and should not be harassed, fed, or held in captivity. Just let it be so it can do its tortoise thing, and you will probably have it around to enjoy for many years. |
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| Date: Mon, 04 Oct 2004 From: Angela Subject: Gopher Tortoise in my dad's hunting club Hi. My name is Angela. My dad found a gopher tortoise on our land that is used for hunting and riding ATV's. It's only family in the club, but my sister, myself and some of our friends's ride four wheelers on the property. Since the turtle was found, I tell the people I ride with to watch for my turtle and be sure not to run over it. Someone painted his shell orange (but it wasn't us), so he is fairly easy to see. I hope the paint won't hurt him. If so, please let me know. He has many acres to roam free on but should I be worried about it getting injured since this is a hunting club and deer season is about to begin? I've only seen one burrow so far so I don't think he has been living there long. What should we do, if anything, to help protect it? By the way, I live in Mississippi. Thanks for any advice. |
Hi Angela, Thank you for being concerned about the tortoise. It sounds like he has a nice place to live as long as people are careful. Gopher tortoises are legally protected, so he has to be left alone to do his own thing. He should not have been painted, but the paint shouldn't hurt him. It will make him more visible, which is good and bad, depending on who or what sees him. Maybe you could post a sign at the entrance to the land, or at a building that everyone uses saying that non-target wildlife are protected and not to be harassed or harmed. That might help hunters and others realize that the owners of the land care about what lives there. You are lucky to have a big piece of wild land to enjoy, and I hope that you can keep it that way. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 02 Oct 2004 From: Greg Subject: Is this a Gopher Tortise? This small turtle/tortoise was near our home, and if it is a Gopher Tortoise I would like him/her to be relocated due to the many dogs in the neighborhood. Thanks 
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Dear Greg, It is a gopher tortoise hatchling, likely new this year. Gopher tortoises are protected by the State of Florida, so it is illegal to move it. My suggestion is that you find somewhere in the near vicinity that has vegetation on the ground and release it. Underneath palmetto fronds or other cover, or in an adult tortoise burrow are good spots. Juveniles typically pick a place and stay there for months or even years. It may not seem that your area is safe or suitable for such a vulnerable creature, but it apparently is good tortoise habitat if they are reproducing. There are many sound biological reasons (other than the legal issues) why you shouldn't take him far away, including habitat suitability, genetics, disease, and social interactions. Please put him somewhere close by, wish him good luck, and let him go. |
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| Date: Tue, 28 Sep 2004 From: Terramarc Subject: turtle [pet] we found what may be a gopher turtle. can we keep it as a pet? it is about the size of a $.50 piece. He eats cat food pellets. Does he need water? thanks cody. |
Dear Cody, It is illegal to keep a gopher tortoise as a pet because they are protected by the State of Florida. Besides, the diet and temperature requirements needed to keep a tortoise healthy are complicated. If you still have the tortoise, please take it back to where you found it and let it go. If this is not possible, please write me back and I will try to help you figure out what to do. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 28 Sep 2004 From: Damian Subject: box turtle Hi, Do box turtles usually eat the shell of another ? Thanks Damian |
Dear Damian, I have heard of gopher tortoises eating the bones of roadkilled animals, probably as a calcium source. If you have one box turtle eating the shell of another, and they are in captivity, I think you have a serious nutrition problem. If you saw this occurring in the wild, there may still be a problem, but not something that you can fix. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 21 Sep 2004 From: KaStables Subject: tortoise Rebecca hi, Can tortoises hear? do they make any noises? thanks Ellen |
Hi Ellen, Tortoises do not hear well, at least in the way that we think of "hearing". They do feel vibrations through their shell, making it very difficult to sneak up on them! | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 18 Sep 2004 From: Niletortoise Subject: [found] gopher tortoise melbourne florida found male tortoise in my back yard a month ago, hangs around. feed him every thing a gopher needs. gets wild grass and shrubs also, would love to keep him in yard. bad area all around, every thing cement around him. he cant live any place else. have big pen, plus walks all around yard eating everything in sight. gets good diet. know a lot about turtles and tortoises. help me, can I get a permit? bring him in at night, dont want him to dig out of the yard, just his death, would be just awful. called wildlife people, cant help, he cant be moved. he is very healthy. we love him and dote over him, make sure he has just everything. cant bring him to another area/ any help for us thank you patty |
Dear Patty, This is such a hard dilemma, but I hear it so often. First, I must tell you that it is illegal for you to keep the tortoise captive, take it inside at night, feed it, or mess with it in any way. However, I understand how you feel about it being left to wander on its own and into trouble. My suggestion is that you try to make your yard as attractive for it as possible and maybe it will stay there of its own accord. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2004 From: msanford Subject: Baby Gopher Tortoise I have lived in my house for 30 years. Over the years tortoises have traveled through my yard. I haven't seen as many lately. I have border collies. They are very well trained and one in particular has a strong sense of duty. He also has a strong herding drive. He feels it is his duty to bring me animals, it's there instinct. Once he notices an animal he becomes obsessed with herding it. He doesn't harm it, but has a strong desire to protect it and watch over it. This is his nature, even with a tortoise. He would not let any other animal bother it when he is around, but he also has the instinct to drive it toward where I am. Two nights ago, I went out onto my enclosed back porch to get a drink out of the refrigerator. As I returned I noticed a small blob by the door. It was a three inch baby gopher tortoise, it was upside down, and looked like it had been that way for a while. I thought it was dead. I cleaned it off and checked it over and it was just fine, not a scratch on it. I don't know if it came through the dog door or if one of the dogs picked it up and carried it in. I think it might live under a shed in the back yard, because when I checked it out, the dogs had been digging around the back of it. I always thought there was an opossum living there, as I have seen one around quite often. Anyway, I know that my high drive dogs know what this little guy smells like, and they will forever try to bring it to me. Also, there are a lot of cats in the neighborhood, most are spayed/neutered ferals. Given that I'm not sure the baby is safe. Perhaps, you will think differently, if so I will put him under the shed, hope that's where he came from and wish him a happy life. I know that Wekiva State Park has a colony of gopher tortoises. However, I don't think the Park Rangers allow you to bring in an outside gopher tortoise. I would feel good about him being there if that is possible. For all I know the hurricane blew him over here. I also have a friend that has a couple of them living at her horse ranch in the country. I really want to see this little guy grow up and reproduce. He is a little male. My question is, would the park take him? If not would it be wrong to take him there and release him? If I released him where I found him, it would inside my house. I have seen these animals all my life, but this is the prettiest one I have ever seen. Does the Science Center keep any, at least until they are five or six and their shells harden? I feel very protective towards the little guy. I want him in the safest place possible. Thank you for your response in advance. Mary Ann (Enclosing pictures of little Charley. He seems fearless and actually walked into this cat that was watching him. He eats and is in good health, but doesn't seem to be afraid of the dogs or cats.) |
Hi. I apologize for taking so long to get to your question. This information may be too late to help you make a decision about the tortoise, but maybe it will be guidance for someone else with similar problems. It is illegal to move or keep the tortoise. It would be really bad to take it to Wekiva or any other protected area. That is a hatchling, so apparently, gopher tortoises are around there and reproducing. My suggestion is that you put it somewhere near your house that has some ground cover and let it go. If you can put it out of reach of your dogs, that would be good. It is tempting to want to keep it or give it to someone else to raise until its shell is hardened. However, the temperature and dietary requirements of gopher tortoises (and many other turtles) are complex. We do not even know what hatchlings need to be healthy. I personally know of a young tortoise that had to be put to sleep by a vet because its shell, jaw, and liver were so compromised by a bad diet and too little sunlight. It was very sad. Please release the hatchling. These photos were attached to the eMail
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| Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2004 From: Dooley Subject: above ground hybernating chamber Our 10 yr. old granddaughter has brought home a Box Turtle from her last trip to the country. She said she saved it's life and wants to keep it. We have been letting her (the turtle) live in our yard. When we are with her she walks around our yard. When we go in we have a milk crate to cover, protect and confine her. We would like for her to be able to live freely in the yard but she disappears so quickly. We have a 2 1/2'X 3'X 4' rubbermaid container we are hoping to build a hybernating chamber for the turtle with. Our plan is to make drain holes in the bottom, fill with a thin layer of river gravel then dirt and leaves. Our question is do you think this will work are will she freeze in our cold Missouri winters. We also thought maybe we should sink the container into the ground a foot are two. Thank you for your time, The Dooley Family |
Dear Dooleys, I apologize for the long delay in answering you. Keeping a turtle in captivity is not an easy thing to do. You can keep it alive, but it will be more difficult to keep it healthy. It also will not be able to find a mate and reproduce, so not only have you removed a turtle from the wild, but also its reproductive potential. My suggestion is that you return the turtle to its home (placing it out of harm's way). Many pet stores sell captive-born turtles that are easier to keep and you should be able to get very specific instructions on proper care. If the store does not have these instructions, find a different store because that is a big part of responsible animal trade business. | ||||||||
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Date: Sun, 26 Sep 2004 From: Shawnon Subject: Baby Deserts keep dieing what am I doing wrong? I had one tortoise turn red on its body and uner its shell then die I dont know what I am doing wrong but I may be doing something. I then had a little one die on my today and when I turned him over his belly was blue what could it be ? I still have 3 left and I hope its not something that all of theem can get. I also own 5 that are adults and in my back yard and yes they are all licenced witht he state . |
Dear Shawnon, Please take the living tortoises and the bodies of the dead ones (if you still have them) to either a veterinarian or a wildlife rehabilitator. I am not a vet and cannot tell you what the problem might be, but you need to take care of it properly. Where are you located? I may be able to help you find somewhere to take them. Please write me back. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 From: Caitlin Subject: Turtle Q&A [weather] I was wondering if you could answer my question: Why do turtles rely on the weather so much, in order to survive? If you could answer my question it would be very helpful. Thankyou. |
Dear Caitlin, Great question! It is not so much that turtles rely on the weather as they are at its mercy. This is because they are cold-blooded. In other words, they have no means to regulate their body temperatures, such as sweating, panting, or shivering. If it is cold, they are cold; if it is hot, they are hot. They have to position themselves in the environment so that they are in a good temperature to survive and do what they need to do (eat, mate, etc.). Being cold-blooded affects everything about their biology, physiology, and ecology. Reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles, alligators) and amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders) are all cold-blooded. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2004 From: Winddancer Subject: difference between male and female turtle could you tell how I can tell the difference between a male and female desert turtle. thank you, tammy |
Dear Tammy, The first thing I have to tell you is that if you are keeping a desert tortoise, it is illegal for you to have it. Please take it back to where it belongs and let it go. The way to tell a male from a female is simple in adult tortoises. The plastron (bottom shell) of a male is concave near the tail, and a female's plastron is flat. |
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| Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2004 From: Shumasassi Subject: gopher tortoise in yard. A gopher tortoise dug a burrow angled under our fence with the opening in our neighbors unfenced yard. The opening began to cave in but when he rebuilt it the opening was only in our fenced yard. The first question is since his area is limited now , will he have the sense to fix it (put the opening under the fence)?
The second question is his burrow is 15 feet from my compost pile.
Is there a danger from him consuming foods not typically on his
natural diet (ex. zinnias, celery, oranges, etc. ) or don't they
scavenge . Thanks for your answer. We really like that he chose
us for neighbors for a while. |
Dear Valerie, What fun!! You are lucky. Don't worry about the tortoise. For one thing, because it is there of its own free will, it is illegal for you to mess with it anyway. It will dig under the fence when it feels the need. It may very well forage in your compost pile, but the pile was there first and you didn't put it there to feed the tortoise, so it is o.k. It is really the same as a tortoise eating from someone's vegetable or flower garden, or their grass for that matter. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy! | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 17 Aug 2004 From: daisy Subject: Gopher tortise relocation Hello, what are the specifications on how much a developer must pay to "pave over" the gopher totises on a building site? |
"Take" permits are issued on an individual basis by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The price depends on the number of tortoises and burrows estimated to be on the property. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2004 From: william Subject: gopher tortiose [take care of] What do they eat? i found one andi really want to keep it but i don't know how to take care of it. it is just a little baby one. please help me take care of my tortiose. Thankz, Akela |
Dear Akela, Gopher tortoises are a protected species and it is illegal for you to keep it as a pet. Besides, it is very difficult to keep a tortoise, or many kinds of turtles, healthy. Their temperature requirements are very specific because they are cold-blooded, and their food requirements are also often complicated. You can probably keep the baby alive, but it is doubtful that you will be able to keep it healthy. Please do the right thing (legally and for the tortoise) and take it back where you found it, out of harm's way, and release it. We need all of the baby tortoises out there we can get. Thanks. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2004 From: Alan Subject: Hurt Turtle Yesterday we were going to a job in south Alabama we noticed a large turtle in the road after looking at the internet it is what I beleive is a Gopher Turtle. We stopped to help it off the road and noticed it had been hit there is a tire mark on the side of it and when we looked at the bottom of it the sheel has a crack in it.We took it home ( that was before we knew it was protected) After a few hours he started moving around the back yard. What else should we do? Take it back? to a vet? It is large about 9 or 10 inches acrossprobably old we don't want it to die. |
Dear Alan, Thank you so much for your concern. You should take the turtle to either a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or a vet that has reptile experience. Because the shell is injured, the turtle is in a serious predicament. If you can't find an appropriate place to take it, please write me back and I will try to help. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 09 Aug 2004 From: Elaine Subject: where do gophers go when burrows flooded? There is a resident gopher tortoise in the small subdivision where I live. Its burrows are at the end of our street. I enjoy watching it and became concerned when we had some flooding rains that seemed to completely fill its burrows. Where do gophers go when it floods? Thanks, Ann |
Dear Ann, Every individual tortoise digs many burrows in different places within its home range. We found that males average 15 burrows apiece and females average nine. So, it is likely that your tortoise(s) have dry places to go when they need. Tortoises will use flooded burrows, sitting just under the water and sticking their heads out occasionally to breathe. However, this mostly occurs in winter when the water temperature is warmer than the air. Thanks for the great question. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 08 Aug 2004 From: mckinleye23 Subject: Hearing We were wondering if a tortoise can hear and how good is their sight? How long will a gopher tortoise stay in the same place? Thank You. |
Tortoises can see well, as evidenced by their diving into a burrow whenever someone or something walks toward them. They "hear" mostly through their bodies sensing vibration on the ground. Tortoises are reptiles and, therefore, cold-blooded. That means that their body temperature fluctuates with the air temperature. When the environmental temperatures are warm, they tend to move around more. When temperatures are too hot or too cold, they slow down and stay put in their burrows most of the time. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2004 From: Anixa Subject: Believe to have found a gopher tortoise i am a turtle lover, i live in Vero Beach, Florida. Today, my mother found a very small turtle about the size of a quarter at her job. She knows i like them so she kepted it and gave it to me. i have been online trying to find out what type of turtle it is. i believe it is a gopher b/c it has a dark shell (probably black) and its got yellow on the bottom, its weird b/c it looks like yellow paint.It might be im not sure, but eiherway, it dark all over and some grayish lines (about 2 of them) right below and on the side of the face. I am at work right now so i cant try and clean her to be for sure. I just realized that i believe it is paint...it has some light stripes of a light yellowish/orange in the bottom of the shell. i would like to keep it and take care of it but i would like to know everything about them. and if its not a gopher can you help me with the information i've given to determine what type of turtle it is. thank you so much. |
Anixa, If it is a gopher tortoise, your mom needs to take it back where she got it and release it out of harm's way. They are legally protected and you cannot keep it for a pet. However, your description does not make me think it is a tortoise. Does it have thick claws, or webbed feet with long skinny claws? Are there scales on its arms, or are they smooth? Look up mud turtles on the web and see if you see it. Don't get too hung up on color because that can be variable Let me know what you find. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 29 Jul 2004 From: YUCAIPA Subject: what is the gestation of the desert tortise |
Hi, The gestation period for desert tortoise eggs is 90 days, plus or minus, depending on the temperature at the nesting site. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 From: jack Subject: [horse arena] I have one or more gopher tortoises which have made a home in the horse riding arena. The arena will start being used on a more freqhent basis and there is a good possibility that a horse and rider will take a fall from stepping into the den opening. How can these gophers be moved to another location? |
Dear Jack, In order to legally move tortoises, you have to get a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (or, if you are in another state, the responsible agency). You are not the first to ask me about this situation. My suggestion is that you flag the burrows with stakes and flagging tape, or something similar, so that the horses avoid the burrows. Even if you move the tortoises out that are there now, it is likely that there are more around to take up the empty space. Other people have marked their burrows and it has been successful, although one lady had to constantly replace her flags because a pony kept chewing them up. I hope this is helpful and that you can figure out how to coexist with the tortoises. We need all of them out there we can get. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 From: Erik Subject: lost turtle Helle, we don't know what kind of turtle this is. HE was walking down the middle of the street so we rescued him and called FWC. They have not returned my call, neither has the zoo. I looked up every picture of Gopher tortoises, which is what the FWC said this was, but cannot find a picture even close. Can you identify this species for us please? I mean it looks like a smaller version of the big ones at metro-zoo. Thank you |
Hi Erik, It is a leopard tortoise, native to South Africa, but not here. It was probably someone's pet and they released it or it escaped. They are a handful to keep. They can grow up to two feet long and weigh 80 pounds. Because leopard tortoises are from the desert, they require high levels of light and constant warm temperatures. I have a dear friend who is a tortoise biologist. He has a great tortoise ranch in north Florida. He is willing to take that animal if you are willing to give it up. If so, let me know and I will send your email to him and you two can work out the details. P.S. This is a good website: http://www.tortoisetrust.org/care/cpardalis.html |
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| Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2004 From: Jeff Subject: Gestation period for _?_ tortise or turtle We live in North Alabama and had an unusual event occur in our flower bed? We found what we call a box turtle or tortoise, which lives exclusively on land, digging a hole with its rear feet. I gathered all the kids in the neighborhood and explained to them what I expected the turtle was doing, i.e. about to lay eggs. I was correct and we watched her lay three eggs then cover the nest. I have tried to find on the internet information about the turtle/tortoise gestation period, however, was able to find nothing. Can you direct me relative to this matter? We photographed her laying the eggs and I thought that this might make an interesting project for the second graders at school this fall. |
Hi Jeff, What a great teaching opportunity. If you have a picture, take it to the library or a bookstore and look in a field guide of reptiles to identify the turtle. The field guide will also tell you lots of good information. Once you know what kind of turtle it is, searching on the web should be more fruitful. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 24 Jul 2004 From: Jason and Audrey Subject: baby box turtle hello! my little dog found a baby box turtle and has chewed around the edge of his shell, leaving a little flesh exposed. how do i tend to his wounds and care for him while he recovers? will his shell repair itself? |
Please do not try to take care of this yourself. A turtle's shell is an outgrowth of its bones and an injury is very serious. Take it to a vet or wildlife rehabilitator so it can get proper treatment. If you cannot find somewhere to take it, please write me back and tell me what town and state you live in, and I will try to located someone. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 From: Sharpslp Subject: [feed] what should i feed it |
If you are talking about a gopher tortoise, it is illegal for you to have it in captivity without a permit. Take it back to where you got it and let it go out of harm's way. If you are not talking about a gopher tortoise, I need to know what you have before I can help. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 From: Dianne Subject: Possibly Sick Gorpher Tortoise I have read your other posts regarding sick tortoises so have a bit of concern about a tortoise in our community. As the person in charge of our golf community's Natural Resources Group, one of my neighbors called me about a gopher tortoise that has been on her front stoop (in the shade) since about 2:30 this afternoon (when I spoke with her it was 6:30 p.m. so the G.T. has been there for 4 hours). It is facing toward the wall. It does move it's head and limbs into its shell when someone approaches and she did not observe any obvious injuries to its shell. Our concern is that they are doing some heavy duty maintenance of our fairways and greens -- I don't think they are actually going into any of the tortoise habitat -- but we are wondering if somehow it might have been injured (or might even have respiratory disease). What would you consider an abnormal length of time for a gopher tortoise to stay on this lady's front porch. If it's still there in the morning, should we get someone to take to the nearest re-hab center (The Conservancy of S.W Florida)? I know that they will not come and pick it up but we do have a Natural Resources Maintenance staff who could probably move it. If we do need to move it, how and in what should it be transported? Perhaps I am overracting but it apparently is a larger adult and we do have responsibility in our P.U.D. to effectively (and protectively) manage our local gopher tortoise population. (Also there is a house being constructed on the street,the last lot of two which were side by side. Construction started a few months ago. So it may be that this is one of the tortoises that was moved to other g.t. habitat in our community about a year ago when the first lot was developed and maybe it came back and found it's old territory uninhabitable so is currently without a home -- don't know). Whatever guidelines you can offer us would be appreciated Dianne, Collier's Reserve Country Club Natural Resources Group |
Dear Dianne, What a great thing you and your neighbors are doing! The number of scenarios for why that tortoise is sitting on the porch is endless, so we will play it safe. If the tortoise is still there this morning, definitely take it to the rehabbers and let them evaluate it. Make sure that they understand that you have to have it back unless they decide it needs long-term care. Most any box will do to carry it in, as long as it can't crawl out. Coolers work nicely but leave it open. Once you know its health status, write me back and we can discuss the next step. |
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| Date: Tue, 20 Jul 2004 From: VINCENT Subject: Baby Tortoise [shell] Dumb question... are baby tortoises born with a shell. Thanks, M. Cordova |
I often get asked if tortoises lose their shells or shed them as they grow, so your question is not dumb. Turtles' (all turtles) shells are outgrowths of their bones. They are born with a shell, keep it all of their lives, and it grows as they grow. A serious shell injury is often deadly. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 From: lynn Subject: ask about a turtle [in backyard] i just found a turtle in my yard and i have no idea what kind it is he has orange and black and on the bottom is yellow and black on the botttom do you think you now what kinds it is? my name is allison |
Dear Allison, Sounds like a box turtle to me. Look online or in a book and see. Please do not keep it. We need all the wild turtles out there that we can get. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 From: ray Subject: Gopher turtle in danger i live in hudson flordida and i keep finding the same gopher turtle by my mailbox and its burrow isnt near my mail box and the person who owns the proporty keeps moving it to my proporty and im afraid my pitbull might try and kill the turtle what should i do? ~Ben~ |
Dear Ben, Explain to your neighbor that the gopher tortoise is a protected species and that it is illegal for either of you to be moving it around. If a dog or other pet injures or kills the tortoise, the owner of the pet is legally responsible. The best thing to do is leave the tortoise alone and let it find its own way. If you have any other problems or need to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, please write me back. Thanks. Becky | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2004 From: Juan Subject: Help to my Desert tortoise. I live in Mexico city. I have a desert tortoise which was gave me from a friend of mine since 3 moths ago. My main questions related to this tortoise are: 1) Could you confirm me what kind specie is? 2) Since 4 weeks ago my tortoise did not eat anything so their currently weight is 970 gr (I feel really ligth), nobodies can assist to my tortoise due the vets are not know much about these animals. Could you help me?, please. I really worry about this sick. According with some books ("understanding reptile parasites" & "practical encyclopedia of keeping and breeding tortoises and freshwater turtles"), I did to gave 3cc (dosage: 30 mg/kg) of Metrodinazole (Flagyl suspension; called: Flagenase 400 in Mex); but I do not know if this action was OK (today the tortoise activity was the same). I will really appreciate your support in order to solve this situation. thanks. Ps.- their enviromental condition I believe is ok, the temperature range is 28'C to 32'C; their food is mainly is vegetables and cactus. I have other tortoises (berlandieri) and they do not have this problem because they eating very well. |
Dear Juan, Unfortunately, my desert tortoise knowledge and my familiarity with wildlife laws in Mexico are both sorely lacking. Please contact the Desert Tortoise Council at this email address:murfnv@cox.net. They can give you much better guidance. They also have a website: http://www.deserttortoise.org | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 04 Jul 2004 From: randy Subject: Turtle loves dog Love the web site! We recently moved into our new home in Citrus County. There are a lot of woods surounding our property. Gopher Turtles galore too! I adore these little slow creatures, but was shocked to witness a pair fighting. It seemed as though they were trying to flip one another over onto their back. One succeeded in doing so. I went and flipped he or she over to the upright postition. My Chihuahua was with me and ever since the turtles rescue, the turtle has been at our back door and won't go back into the woods. When we let the dog out it follows the dog all over. As if it likes her? Is this a common thing? Can a turtle become attached to a dog? |
Randy, I have never heard of such a thing, but nothing would surprise me about gophers. Is he still following your dog? | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 04 Jul 2004 From: dinarichter Subject: Calcium for Gohpers A gopher tortoise borrowed into my back yard, I guess he or she (I don't want to pick it up to find out if it's a male or female because I know that you're not allowed to bother them), feels safe there. I've been doing some research and I read that they are like a cow with a shell, in that they graze. That he does. I also know that they need calcium. If I planted spinach, would that be good. What about egg shell? I know that I can't feed the tortoise; but I heard that ground egg shell is "good fertilizer" for my lawn. Thank you D. |
All of that sounds reasonable to me. I have also heard that bones make good yard fertilizer, too. :) Write back if you have more questions. Becky | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 29 Jun 2004 From: Lisa Subject: Found [in Seattle] tortoise I am a lifetime turtle/tortoise lover so today a friend of mine calls and says she was at a park and came across an injured turtle. She looked around on the internet and thinks it is a gopher tortoise. It may sound strange but we are in Seattle, Washington. Do you have any idea who I could call to try to get him relocated or to a good caregiver? Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated. |
Lisa, What happened to this animal? The range of the gopher tortoise doesn't get anywhere near Seattle. However, I have heard stranger stories and seen some weird situations of tortoises being transported all over the place. Please write me back. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 27 Jun 2004 From: Michael and Donna Subject: [abandoned egg] Hi there, a friend of mine found a turtle egg next to his place beside a pond . The egg was abandoned with no sign of mother in site. My friend is wondering how to treat this egg and is there a way to have this egg hatch. I would appreciate any information that you may provide. Thanks in advise, bye for now, Mike. |
Mike, Many times female turtles will "shed" an egg and there could be a number of reasons that she doesn't deposit it in a regular nest. The egg might not be fertile, or the turtle might have laid other eggs in a nest and that was a leftover. There might not have been a suitable nest site around. Regardless of the reason, it is very doubtful that the egg would have hatched. Thanks for the good question. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 27 Jun 2004 From: ShcklSlugma Subject: [eat?] what do they eat |
Gopher tortoises are vegetarians and eat low-growing grasses and herbs. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 22 Jun 2004 From: Adahajr Subject: Natural repellents A friend has several gopher Tortoises living in their yard and it is difficult to mow. They watch to see that they don't run over any and don't destroy the burrows. More tortoises seem to be coming. They had two and now there are seven. They were wondering if there is any natural repellent they could use to discourage them living there. |
Gopher tortoises are legally protected, so you cannot harass, move, or harm them. The only thing that might discourage them is for you to make the yard unattractive to them by not mowing it. Of course, that makes it unattractive to everyone. If the population is growing, it probably means that they are rapidly losing habitat around you and they are coming to the only green space left. I would suggest you just sit back and enjoy. You are really lucky to have such great occupants! | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2004 From: Deng Subject: help, my RES laying eggs hi, this is cynthia from singapore. my red eared slider is alrady 8 years old. and she lay eggs once but they did not hatch. now she seems to be laying eggs soon, i brought her to the playground with sands but she gave up after digging halfway. what should i do? what kinda of environment does she like for laying eggs? and how will the eggs be able to hatch? singapore is a tropical country, summer throughout the year. pls reply/ thanx a lot. |
Dear Cynthia, Have you had your slider since she hatched or was very young? If so, she has probably never mated with a male slider and her eggs are not fertile. If she has had the chance to mate, she may just be too young to reproduce successfully yet. Look at the website below. It has good, detailed information that should help you. Good luck, and feel free to write back. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2004 From: STEVENL Subject: burrow We have found a burrow made by a gopher turtle under our house. We don't want to hurt or disturb the tortoise. But want to know if this burrow under the house can cause damage to the house. Or if there is something we should do. Thanks! Barb |
Hi Barb, It is very unlikely that a tortoise burrow would be capable of doing harm to your house or foundation. Tortoises love to dig along the edges of buildings because the dirt is already soft there and it is easier to dig. I have seen and heard of your situation many, many times and have never had anyone tell me that there was a problem. My suggestion is sit back, watch, and enjoy. You are lucky! | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 From: Phil Subject: Mississippi tortoise No question, but I did see this fellow in the front yard today:
Long Beach, Mississippi Enjoy :) |
Your pictures are great! I do lots of educational talks and presentations. Would you mind if I used your pictures sometimes? If you send me the photographers name, I will make sure they get credit. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 From: Kathleen & Dick Subject: Problem tortoise I got one digging under my house. Is there anyway to get him/her to move elsewhere? Just read that FL tortoises may be placed on a "Watch List" because of diminishing numbers. Don't want to harm it, just to get it to go elsewhere. Any suggestions? |
Gopher tortoises are protected by the State of Florida as a species of special concern. You cannot move, harass, feed, or bother them without a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. You can apply for a permit, but I doubt that you would get one. Why not just enjoy your good fortune of having a really neat animal living with you? It is very unlikely that the burrow will hurt your house at all. He/she may not stick around; we found that tortoises dig several burrows within their home range and travel between them. It is hard to say if your tortoise will do that, because if you are in a neighborhood situation, there may not be many places for it to go. I realize this may not be what you wanted to hear. Please write me back if I can assist you. |
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| Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 From: CummJhn Subject: help [laws] has anyone ever tried to convince the government to make a law about running over gogher tortoises? |
Gopher tortoises are legally protected by either the Endangered Species Act or various state laws throughout their range. That means that no one can hurt, keep, or kill them intentionally. However, an accident is an accident, and it is doubtful that anyone would be fined for that. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 12 Jun 2004 From: Tim Subject: Age of tortoise My husband and I live in Canaveral Groves and we have some very large Gopher Tortoises in our yard. We would like to know how to determine their ages, if possible. Thanks, Janet |
Dear Janet, Once a tortoise becomes an adult, it is pretty much impossible to age it accurately. For awhile when they are young, you can count the rings on their bottom shell scutes, but there are problems with that. The rings wear off and there is no real evidence that they only put down one ring per year, especially here where they can grow all year long. When I have to estimate tortoise age, I say hatchling, juvenile, subadult, or adult. Hatchlings are ones that are newly hatched that season; juveniles are small and orange, and their shells are still soft (up to five years); subadults are smaller than adults, but their shells are dark and hard; everything else is an adult. If your tortoises are very large, they are likely old (can live around 60 years in the wild) because they grow slowly throughout their lives. I know this isn't an exact answer, but that is the best I can do. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 12 Jun 2004 From: cynthia Subject: gestation questions I have recently had a gopher tortoise lay eggs in my yard, how long can I expect to wait for the eggs to hatch and will the mother come back when it is time for them to hatch. thank you for the site, it helped some but not enough to answer all my questions |
The gestation period for tortoise eggs is between 80 and 110 days, depending on the latitude of the nest location. There is no parental care, so Mom will not be returning. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2004 From: Liz Subject: [display] Could you tell me about the baby gopher?. How long does it stay the same size? I was given an egg for a display. I am not sure it is a gopher egg. Can you send a picture and demotions. Also if I was to use it as a display how do I clean it out with out damaging the egg? Thank You Park Ranger Liz, Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon Fl. |
Liz, If the egg you have does belong to a gopher tortoise, it is illegal for you to keep it without a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. As for cleaning it out, I would suspect you could blow it out like people do fancy Easter eggs. Gopher tortoises grow very slowly and it takes many years (around 15) for them to reach adult size and sexual maturity. For about the first five years, the shell is not hard and they are small, making them very vulnerable to predation. |
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| Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2004 From: Janet Subject: [loose its shell?] Does a tortoise loose its shell? Thanks for your input! |
No, tortoises or turtles don't lose their shells. The shell is an outgrowth of the bone and grows as the animal grows. That is why shell injuries are so devastating. Thanks for the good question. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 From: Jincey Subject: Law Why is it illeigal to keep a tortise? Is there a law in Georgia? There is a gopher in our yafd and it had babies. I went to see if I could hear them and it sounded cool. |
It is illegal to keep gopher tortoises without a permit in every state where they occur. Tortoises are difficult to keep in captivity because they are cold-blooded and require fairly strict temperature regimes. Also, they have a very complicated diet in the wild that is almost impossible to duplicate. Besides, if you take a tortoise from the wild, you not only lose that animal, but you lose all of its reproductive potential. We need all of the baby tortoises out there we can get. Please just watch and enjoy. Thanks. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 08 Jun 2004 From: Pauline Subject: Hi [make a gopher leave] Hi, I was wondering if you could please tell me what I can use to make a gopher leave it's den. I have tried everything I can think of. I even tried ashes, which worked for a short time, but the gopher returned. Please can you give me some advice, I really hate to trap them, but I don't no what else to do. |
Hi, The gopher tortoise is a stated-protected species of special concern and what you have been doing, and what you want to do, are illegal without a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (or other state or federal agency if you are not in Florida). Why do you want to make it leave? Write back. |
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| Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 From: Lori Subject: Gopher tortoise relocation First this is a great site full of information. I have a gopher tortoise that keeps walking around my house and is sure to get hit by a car or abused by some of the local kids when they see it. I've taken the tortoise back to some of the parcels around my house, but he seems to come back to the road. I live in Port Saint Lucie Florida, and there is an enormous amount of new building, lots of parcels of land are getting bulldozed for new homes (My guess Mr. Tortoise got his house bulldozed) Who do I contact to relocate this tortoise? Thanks in advance |
Dear Romano, Thank you very much for the kind words about the site. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has jurisdiction over tortoises in Florida. Your regional office location information is: To be honest, it is doubtful that they will relocate the animal (for lots of reasons). The best (and legal) thing to do is keep it out of harm's way when you can, but not move it far away. It may very well get killed, which is frustrating, I know. Unfortunately, that is the fate of many individual animals, and entire species, when we don't consider their needs in our development and growth. Remember this when you go vote. That is the most useful thing you can do. |
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| Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 From: MEDICDJC Subject: Galapagos tortoise Hello My name is Dave. Two months ago my girlfriend and I saw a turtle van on the side of the road. We purchased a red-eared slider turtle. We were going to keep him in a tank, but noticed that he was happier outside. I built a 200 gallon pond in the back yard and since then we bought a baby red-eared slider, a map turtle, and a painted turtle. Surprisingly they all like each other's company. Although the map turtle is extremely shy, all the rest seem to love attention unless they are being handled, so we decided to let them be and only observe them, unless they are being cared for by brushing their scutes. Recently I noticed that two of them are shedding their scutes. The painted turtle on the carapace and the red-eared adult (6" carapace) on his plastron. I read that it could be a calcium deficiency causing soft shell, so we added a calcium supplement from the pet store to their diet as well as feeder shrimp. Can I do anything more? We are so into turtles now that while looking for another turtle we came across baby Galapagos tortoises in a pet store. Is it legal to have one as a pet in Florida and do you need a permit? How much does an adult eat a day? Do they leave a huge mess when they defecate since they are so big? How much room do they need to live in? I have found a lot of facts on the internet, but want to make sure that we can provide an adequate home for this remarkable creature! I would appreciate any help you have. I couldn't find answers to the questions I asked, but maybe you know of sites that I can research this information myself. Thank you very much for your time! I can see that you enjoy your work. After reading many of the emails on your site I can tell that you love to help educate the public. |
Dear Dave, Thanks so much for the nice words about the website. I really apologize for not getting to your question sooner. My suggestion is that you contact a local herpetological society and get some advice as to how to keep your turtles healthy and happy. The shell problem could be any number of things and may need to be treated by a vet if it continues. If you cannot find a local herp club, let me know what city you live in or near and I will look for one. Galapagos tortoises are not for sale. If the pet store is labeling tortoises as that, it is very misleading and I wouldn't do business with them. If it is a tortoise that is going to get large, it is probably a sulcata (lots of information on the net). They get to be enormous and dig huge holes in your yard. You are probably beginning to realize that turtles and tortoises are not really that easy to keep. They are actually complicated because of their diets and temperature requirements. However, done right, it can be an extremely fulfilling hobby. Get some help and learn all you can, especially before you get any more animals. Please write me back if I can offer any more assistance. |
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| Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 From: js Subject: gopher turtle [injured] my dog grabbed a turtle in our back yard and chewed on it and damaged the shell a little bit the part where the head comes out I put the turtle back by the woods it will stick its head out but it will not walk on its own I am thinking the dog hurt the turtle I live in Jacksonville flap Duvall county I left the turtle alone for 14 hours by the woods and it moved 2 feet where can I take it for rehab thank you Ron |
If you still have the turtle, please write me back. I don't know any rehabbers in Jacksonville, but I could probably find some for you. The zoo is also a good resource for information. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 04 Jun 2004 From: Rick Subject: tortoise and traffic On my way from Orlando to Miami on the Florida's Turnpike I saw a couple of tortoises. One was on the middle of the road and the other one along the side. I was surprised to see this and very concerned about their well being. I traveled this road many times and never seen this before. The day was very hot and humid. Is this a factor on this behavior? And, if possible can we pick them up and relocate without legal problems? |
Dear Rick, Tortoises might venture across a huge interstate for a number of reasons. They could be looking for mates, a nesting site, new food sources, or a new place to dig a burrow. If you can move the tortoise out of immediate danger without risk to your own safety, it is o.k.; that means off the side of the road into the woods or nearby bushes. It is illegal for you to put it in your car and relocate it, even though that might appear to be the best thing to do on the surface. There are many disease, genetic, and ecological issues that make relocation of tortoises a bad idea. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 04 Jun 2004 From:John Subject: Gopher Tortoise in the surf line a New Smyrna Beach I was walking on the eastern tip of NSB at about 8:00pm last night (just before high tide) and came across a gopher tortoise right at the surf line. He was alive but extremely lethargic in fact, comatose is a better description.. I see the tortoises in the dunes all the time but never on the beach or in the surf. I moved her just outside the high tide line and continued my walk. 40 min later, she was in the same place. To clarify, yes I'm sure it was a tortoise and not a sea turtle she was fully mature with a carapace of 13-14 inches and no visible injuries. My question is, do you have any idea what was going on? Do Tortoises go into the surf as part of their normal behavior? Should I have taken a different action? Thanks for being a resource and in anticipation of your reply. |
John, I have never seen, but have had people tell me about tortoises in the surf. Saltwater is great for abrasions and removing parasites, so animals that are ill may go to the saltwater for healing. The animal you saw sounds like it may have been past the healing stage, but you did the right thing by moving it out of immediate danger and leaving it there. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 04 Jun 2004 From: huimin Subject: my tortise wound I am Michelle from singapore.I am writing this letter to know more about my tortoise and please tell me what must i do to it Last year, i owned 2 small tortise. After sometimes, the felmale tortoise had grew very big and strong. The male tortoise did grew, but not as big as the felmale. Both the tortoise stayed in the same tank as i only have 1 tank. Day after day,the felmale started to bite the male's shell which is near the tail. Slowly, the male broke part of his shell. For a short period of day, the wound became worse. i would see the fresh, skin and i would see a part of the wound bleeding. I am going oversea in a few they times and nobody is going to look after the tortoise or feed them. Is my MALE tortoise dying? what should i do with it now? Your Truly, Michelle |
Dear Michelle, Apparently, your tortoises are overcrowded and the larger, more dominant female is winning the space battle. Take the male to a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator now. Please consider letting someone else take your tortoises that can care for them properly. It is not an easy job to keep them healthy, and you may need to turn that responsibility over to another person that has the right facilities and resources. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 03 Jun 2004 From: Adele Subject: Florida mouse/rattlesnake I am a biologist with the Office of Greenways and Trails in Putnam county. We host env. ed field trips and have a large gopher tortoise population on the Cross Florida Greenway. My question is will a rattlesnake eat a florida mouse while they are inside the burrow or is it "neutral territory"? Thank you for your help, Adele |
Dear Adele, I have not ever seen a rattlesnake eat a mouse or anything else while inside a burrow, but it is my guess that, if they are hungry, they will. In fact, a burrow is probably viewed as a smorgasbord by predators. Reptiles (including snakes) operate on instinct, not intelligence, so they would not have any concept of "neutral territory". | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 03 Jun 2004 From: Michele Subject: hospitable environment Hi. I have read through your Q&A and learned a lot about gopher turtles...but I still have a few questions. I am living in a subdivision in Oviedo, FL. Our area is filled with gopher turtles which visit and live in our backyards but the land behind our lots are selling quickly. In my yard, alone, I have watched 7 turtles live their lives and know of 4 holes currently. What can my neighbors and I do to protect these turtles? The houses on my street have about 10 feet of land behind our houses that is unbuildable due to city access for cable, power and whatnot. That area is where the majority of the turtles I am tracking have holes. There is a road at the edge of this area and it is across this road where the development will occur. Would a small edging (like the size of a step that could be done with pavers or a concrete lip) on our side of the land to block off access to that road help prevent the turtles from becoming road kill once the road is paved and busy with cars? Would something like that even be beneficial for the turtles provided it is legal with all parties involved? I know this is an ambitious idea but it is probably the only feasible one my neighbors and I have come up with short of halting the construction! Also, one baby turtle has made his hole in our yard (in the tower of my kids plastic play castle, no less). :) We are currently re-doing our yard with new landscape but would like to make an area that is just for the turtles - around the castle where the baby has taken residence and the fence opening between our yard and the neighbor's where the other turtles enter. Is it illegal for us to plant things that they like to eat? We want it to be attractive to them because of the impending construction. A type of sanctuary, if you will, but one where they would still be free to come and go as they please. Is that ok legally? I will be writing to the FL. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative, as well. Is there any place else I should contact that you recommend? Thank you for making such a great website! I have fallen in love with these turtles and really enjoy sharing my yard with them! I am aware of the protective status and we do not want to do anything that would be illegal but I do feel the need to help in their conservation. We just want to do it the right way! Thanks again! Michele, Oviedo, FL |
Dear Michelle, It would not be legal for you to erect a barrier without a permit, but that is something that perhaps the developer could do as mitigation for taking habitat. Those details would have to be worked out through the permitting process with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. You should contact them and find out the status of the permitting process for the development. Regarding your yard, there is nothing wrong with planting "tortoise-friendly" vegetation, and GTCI is your best resource for that information. Best of luck and please do not hesitate to write me back if I can offer more assistance. |
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| Date: Wed, 02 Jun 2004 From: Miamison2 Subject: hatching How long is the intubhation period for hatching once the eggs are deposited? |
The incubation period varies with latitude (longer up north), but is between 80 and 110 days. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 02 Jun 2004 From: poly Subject: POLYANA Hello, Im from Cyprus, an island near Greece. I have allready 4 turtoise and I want to know how can u tell is a boy or a girl? How big they must be to mate and have eggs? Thanks, Poly-chemist |
What species of tortoises do you have? | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 02 Jun 2004 From:Sharon Subject: Eggs Our new puppy was in our back yard, digging. We went over to the hole and found what we think were turtle eggs. They are about a quarter in size. They were buried pretty deep (maybe 6-7 inches down). Our puppy had one in his mouth and it broke. There were eight others. We just covered them up and left them there. Questions: If they are turtle eggs, does the mother ever come back or does she just leave them on their own? Should we leave them now that we covered them back up, or should we try to dig them up and move them? When they hatch will they be able to dig out from 6-7 inches of sand? It seems like they would suffocate. Thanks for your time. Sharon |
Dear Sharon, Sorry for the delay in answering, but I hope this information will still be useful. If the eggs were round, they were probably turtle eggs. The mom will not come back. The best thing to do is rebury them, but try to imitate the sand compaction, etc., just like it was. The young will be able to get out on their own and they will not suffocate. Try not to leave your scent or tracks around the nest or predators might figure it out. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 01 Jun 2004 From: jdabluke Subject: Baby Tortoise [feed?] Hi, My sister found a baby Gopher tortoise the other day by accident when she saw our dog with it in his mouth. It's shell is still soft, and it wasn't hurt or anything its in good shape but what do we feed it? Thanks, Becky, Georgia |
The gopher tortoise is legally protected by the State of Georgia, so you cannot keep the baby. Please take it back to where you found it and let it go out of harm's way. It is very important that you control your dog so that it doesn't hurt or kill tortoises or any other wildlife. If you need help with this, call a dog trainer or dog obedience school and ask for some tips. You might need to keep your dog on a leash when you are in areas with wildlife. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 01 Jun 2004 From: brad Subject: Newly laid eggs This morning I had the opportunity to watch a gopher tortoise lay her eggs and cover them in an area of our back yard, it is an area that will not be bothered except for the fact that I know there are raccoons in the area. Is there any way to protect this area to give the eggs a chance to hatch without anything getting to them? I would certainly like them to hatch knowing they are endangered, I know that there are at least two different gopher tortoises in this area that I have seen also. I know there are a minimum of 3 eggs in this nest, I had to leave at that point and checked to make sure that she had covered it when I returned which she did. |
Because tortoises are legally protected, you cannot do anything to the nest without a permit. Really, it is best to let nature take its course. Try not to leave your scent near the nest, or tracks, etc., that would cue a raccoon or other predator. The most vulnerable time for the young will be when they emerge from the nest (about 90 days). Keep an eye on the nest and maybe you will get to witness something incredible! | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 01 Jun 2004 From: WALTER Subject: Tortise smelling I was wondering if a tortoise can smell. Can they smell better than us? Thanks! Ali |
Dear Ali, I have probably answered over 500 questions since we started the website, but no one has ever asked me about a tortoise's sense of smell. I had to do some looking, but it appears that reptiles (including the turtles) have a more keen sense of smell than the amphibians, but that it is not particularly developed in the turtle group. Many snakes and lizards have excellent ability to smell, and actually "taste" the air with their tongues to sense the chemicals present. Turtles cannot do this. However, I have heard that gopher tortoises will come to fruit if it is placed outside their burrows, and that desert tortoises can smell the rain. Sounds like some good science fair projects, yes?? Thanks for the great question. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 01 Jun 2004 From: kathleen Subject: Desert tortoise???relocation?? Hi!!!! I was just reading your website and need some help please?? The other night we were driving up our street in san antonio Texas. and a tortoise was in the middle of the road. Our street is VERY busy and cars fly down it!!! we lived about three houses up so i bought it to our house its in a box with grass water etc. anyhoo... i think it is a desert tortoise as it looks closest to that on the internet pictures. I did not know it was illegal to move a tortoise!! Do they have little red spots on there faces?? I wanted to ask you if i should put it back on the curb where it was, or take it further out into the country. behind our house they have recently put up an RV park. right in front of that they are widening the highway. and the grassy area it was heading to is being slowly mowed down and houses being built. it used to be all woods and now they are building and tearing down all the land. the road it was crossing the curbs are too high for it to get up on?? I wondered if i should put him out in the country by a water tank or put him back by the road i found him??? We have five acres about 30 minutes from here it is wild with deer rabbits etc, and there is a pond on the next property which is abot 500 acres. would it be ok to put him there??? There is also a huge park a couple of miles away with woods etc, we released a rat snake in there. can they safely be relocated???? Your help and advice is greatly appreciated!!!! Thankyou Kathleen |
This is what I tell people that pick up a tortoise that is in imminent danger. Take it back to where you got it and try to release it in a safe place. Desert tortoises are federally protected and it is illegal to move them, but no one is going to mind if you get it out of the road. If there is no safe place to put it, contact your local Fish and Wildlife Service office or a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. Two things absolutely not to do are 1) take it home and attempt to make a pet of it, and 2) drive it far from its home range and release it. Thanks for the good question. I hope all turned out well for your refugee. |
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| Date: Tue, 01 Jun 2004 From: Judy Subject: Should I report this... We live on the outskirts of Orlando FL and I have moved several turtles from our road, however, yesterday I stopped and picked one up and found it was a gopher tortoise. We turned him loose near where I found him but far enough off the road that he should be all right. Now, here is my question - there is a lot of construction going on in our area. Should I report this so they know there are gopher tortoises in the area? And if so, who do I report it to? |
Dear Judy, Thank you very much for your concern and action. Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Our regional office is in Ocala and the information is:
Northeast Regional Office If you see construction occurring, or about to occur, on a site that you know has tortoises, you can call and find out if the specific project has obtained their permits. If they haven't, insist that the Commission send someone out to investigate. |
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| Date: Mon, 31 May 2004 From: Frederick Subject: Ants I just bought a house in Lutz, and the property has at least one large gopher tortoise. We have found two boroughs. I do not plan to disturb the turtle, but I am concerned about the many, many ants. If we have the property treated for the ants, will the turtle be harmed by the treatment? Does the ant population pose a threat to the turtle(s)? Elaine |
Most commercial pesticide companies will tell you that their products will not harm wildlife. However, if you do get treated for ants, be sure and stress to the applicator that you are concerned that they use the safest product and application that they have for the tortoises. Many ant products are pellets that the ants eat and the tortoises wouldn't, and the pellets won't stick to the food plants like a spray might. Also, a tortoise's skin is thick and tough and does not absorb things as easily as a frog's, for example. Ants are a problem for tortoise nests and possibly young animals. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 31 May 2004 From: Bob Subject: Unusual gopher tortoise(?) [long tail] I am between the Withlacoochee river and the Rails to Trail bike path. I frequently see gopher tortoises along the trail and often see their burrows. While walking dogs on a 10 acre piece today, they found what seemed to be a mature gopher tortoise except it had a 4-6 inch tail. I just don't recall seeing tails in the past. It also seemed to be a vulnerable spot for the tortoise.( I leashed the dogs and removed them so they couldn't bother it anymore.) Are tails unusual or is this another type of turtle/tortoise? Thank you and thanks for providing this service. |
Gopher tortoises don't have such long tails. My suggestion is that you look on the net at tortoises, or in books, to see if you can i.d. your animal. Unfortunately, imported turtles and tortoises have become popular as pets. Often people do not realize the amount of effort and expense required to keep a reptile healthy, so they will get tired of it and release it in a park. That is how populations of exotic species get established in our natural habitats. It is also unkind to the individual animals, as they are often not adapted to the climate or vegetation and will eventually die. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 30 May 2004 From: DesBOOBOO Subject: turtle [exposed eggs] l what do you do with eggs if not buried in sand can human hands touch the egg will egg survive outside in the summer without being under ground |
Turtles typically dig a cavity to lay their eggs in, and then cover it with dirt or sand. If you found eggs above the ground, they could have either been dug up from the nest, or, more likely, the female just dropped them. She might not have been able to find a good cavity site, the eggs might have been infertile, or she might have had a physical defect that kept her from digging or laying. No matter what the situation, it is extremely doubtful that they would hatch. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 30 May 2004 From: Bibbis Subject: turtles [shed shell?] Does the turtle shed its shell or does the shell grow as the turtle grows? We are thinking of a small painted turtle that we have. |
Turtles' shells are an outgrowth of their bones and are not shed. They grow as the turtle grows. That is why even a minor shell injury can be deadly. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 27 May 2004 From: Stacy Subject: found baby gopher My name is Stacy and I live in Flagler County, Florida. This afternoon I walked out of my front door and there was a baby tortoise there. The ants were starting to get to it so I brought it inside and got them off of it. I called my dad and described what it looked like to him and he told me it was a gopher tortoise. He then preceded to tell me it was illegal to move it. The tortoise started to move around so I took it to the wooded lot next to where I live (no more than 20 feet from my house) that I know won't be developed. He started burrowing immediately but then stopped...I can see him just by looking at the ground. Is this normal? I don't want any predator to get to him. Should I call a rescue center or leave him be? Thank you for any help you can provide. I just hate to see an endangered species die if there is something we can do to prevent it. |
Young gopher tortoises often do not dig typical burrows, but will use shallow depressions in the ground or hide underneath vegetation. You did the right thing by turning it loose near where you found it. Truthfully, it might get eaten or killed, but if it doesn't, it will grow up to reproduce and keep the tortoise population in your area going. That is a good thing! | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 27 May 2004 From: Heather Subject: question about desert tortises My name is Heather and I have some concerns about African and desert tortises. My 16 month old loves to be around the tortises sometimes she touches there head and shell. I was wondering is it possible she could contact some type of disease from the tortises or there feces. Could you let me know is this a concern I should have and a recommendation you may give me. Thanks, Heather Johnson -- Lompoc, California |
Dear Heather, It is great that your baby likes tortoises and that you are giving her the opportunity to interact with them. However, I would be very careful. Older children can be made to wash their hands, but a 16-month-old will be putting her fingers in her mouth constantly (at least in my experience). As with any animal, wild or otherwise, handwashing is your first line of defense against illness. If you can be right with her the entire time to prevent her from ingesting anything present on the tortoise or feces, that should be fine. Otherwise, it might be smart to "look, but not touch" until she is older. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 26 May 2004 From: joann Subject: a question? [pet] are you allowed to keep gopher turtles as a pet? and also what kinds of foods do they eat? thanks jo ann |
Dear Jo ann, Gopher tortoises are legally protected by the State of Florida. They cannot be kept as pets without a permit. If you have one, please take it back to where you got it, out of immediate danger, and release it. Many people mistakenly think that tortoises and turtles are easy to keep, but that is not true. They have complicated dietary and temperature requirements. It may be easy to keep them alive, but it is not easy to keep them healthy. Tortoises eat low-growing herbs and grasses. |
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| Date: Tue, 25 May 2004 From: matilde Subject: builder's building on gopher land
Hello Becky, Thanks, Maty |
Dear Maty, Unfortunately, your impression of what is going on around our state and the plight of gopher tortoises appears to be an accurate assessment, in my opinion. Anyone developing a piece of property that potentially has tortoises is supposed to get a survey done and apply for a permit. However, tt is extremely easy for a developer or private home builder to ignore the laws protecting tortoises, and if they are caught, they rarely get prosecuted and/or the penalties are nothing compared to profits. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is responsible for the protection of tortoises, and in fairness to them, they are overworked and understaffed. We currently have two options for dealing with tortoises on lands that will be developed: relocation or "take". Relocation sounds good on the surface, but is wrought with problems. There are two types of relocation: on-site and off-site. Typically, on-site relocations result in a group of tortoises being put somewhere on the development property with no consideration of habitat suitablity (i.e., is there enough food or room for burrows and nests? are there other tortoises already there, and how will new tortoises affect the social structure?). Also, tortoise habitat, especially in suburban settings, must be properly managed or it will become unsuitable quickly. That costs money that must be available for perpetuity, long after the subdivision developer has moved along to the next project. Off-site relocation sites require the same characteristics as habitat on-site, but there are fewer and fewer places available and willing to take displaced tortoises. A "take" is a nice way of saying that the developer will pay money that will be used for tortoise conservation elsewhere in the state, and the tortoises on the development site will be left to fend for themselves. Most are either buried in their burrows when the bulldozers roll through, or the ones that escape often get run over or in other kinds of bad situations. Right now, there are no good answers, and until people decide that our natural resources are as or more important than economic growth, we will continue to lose gopher tortoises and many other species of plants and wildlife. |
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| Date: Mon, 24 May 2004 From: bts Subject: Why are gopher turtles endangered and not all turtles? Do they just not breed as well as other species or were they hunted more? Also do they swim or go in water like other turtles or just stay on land in their burrows? |
Thank you for the great questions! Gopher tortoises are what biologists call a "k-selected" species. They live a very long time (60+ years in the wild), take a long time to reach sexual maturity when they can start reproducing (20+ years), and lay a few eggs each year (4 -8 typically). The eggs and young are very susceptible to predation, so not many of them survive to reproduce themselves. Put all of those factors together, and you end up with a species that can survive, but will not if other influences are thrown into the mix. For many years, before it became illegal, gopher tortoises were eaten by humans. Now the biggest threat to the species' survival is habitat destruction because they live in the high, dry places that are prone to be developed. There are disease issues, and gopher tortoises commonly get runover by vehicles. With all of that against them, it is no wonder that gopher tortoise populations are in trouble! Gopher tortoises typically stay on land and do not need to go to the water. However, they can swim short distances (across ditches, for example). |
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| Date: Sat, 22 May 2004 From: Paul Subject: Turtle [in danger] On May 20,2004 my neighbor from 2 doors over said there was a turtle in my yard. I came outside and there he was. He came from their yard and was traveling to the other side of my house. I followed him and then finally picked him up and put him in a fenced area so he could not get hit by a car. Since then, he has dug a hole under the chain-linked fence, but not very deep. The fence is scratching up his shell. I fed him some fruit on May 21 and went to check on him today, May 22. He's in a different position from yesterday but I am afraid that he can't get out from under the fence. I'm not sure who to contact to come and get him. Can you please help? Susan -- I live in St. Petersburg, Florida |
If the turtle was a gopher tortoise, it is illegal to move it, feed it, or try to keep it in a pen, even if it is likely to get hit (unfortunately). Your regional office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) can be contacted at:Southwest RegionFFWCC has jurisdiction over gopher tortoises and will be able to give you guidance in most situations. Feel free to call them in the future. Thanks for your interest. |
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| Date: Sat, 22 May 2004 From: Myboyskittles Subject: we found a gopher turtle Hi. We found a baby gopher turtle and we don't know what to do with it. Its very small and we don't know what to feed it. We don't want to leave it outside by itself and we don't see the mother around. Please help. Thank you. Sincerly, Lisa |
First of all, it is illegal for you to keep a gopher tortoise in captivity without a permit. They are protected by the State. If you still have the tortoise, I suggest you take it back to where you found it, out of immediate danger, and release it. It is not surprising that you did not see the mother as gopher tortoises (and most reptiles) do not have any kind of parental care. Juvenile tortoises often do not dig burrows, but will find refuge under vegetation or in other holes. They do not travel far or come out of hiding very often or for very long. I cannot promise that the baby will be o.k. (many of them do not make it to adulthood), but it will be better off taking care of itself. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 22 May 2004 From: Josebv Subject: Turtles [sex] How can you tell the difference between a male and female turtle by looking at it? |
It depends on what kind of turtle you are talking about. In gopher tortoises (and some other species), males have a concavity on the back of their plastron (bottom shell) toward the tail. Females' plastrons are very flat. In sea turtles, males have a long tail and females have a short tail. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 21 May 2004 From: Dave Subject: Tortoise friendly environment I live in SE Georgia. On our property there are several Gopher tortoise burrows. I've seen 3 tortoises. The area around us is becoming more and more developed and the traffic is picking up quite a bit. What I would like to do is make our property as tortoise friendly as possible so they won't have to go to far to forage for food. Do you have any suggestions on what kind of tortoise food plants we can add to our landscape. Thank you. Dave |
Dave, The key to successful tortoise food planting can be summed up in two words: native and variety. Contact a native plant nursery, a native plant club, or your ag extension agent to get a list of potential plants. Obviously, gopher tortoises need ones that are low-growing. Herbs and grasses are best. Then get as many different ones as you can find and/or afford and plant them. Tortoises not only change their food during different seasons, but even during different times of the day, which makes sense for a cold-blooded animal. I have attached a book chapter written by a friend of mine that should be helpful to you. |
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| Date: Fri, 21 May 2004 From: superx Subject: sick tortoise Hi. I went out my front door and found a gopher turtle napping on my front patio. We watched him for awhile, in which he didn't do much. I started to wonder if he was okay. He's been there for 2 days now and has only moved a few times to eat some grass and then return to his spot on the cement in a corner. I can say he had a bowel movement because I had to clean my patio this morning. I'm glad he has eaten (and pooped), but it still doesn't seem right that all he wants to do is sleep on pavement, when I've been reading they mostly live in the ground. What should I do? |
Are you sure it is a gopher tortoise? Tortoises from other countries have become very popular as pets, but they are not as easy to care for as most people imagine. The animals often escape or are released, and not all tortoises dig burrows. If it is a gopher tortoise, you are right that its behavior seems odd, especially because they usually spend the majority of their time in burrows. The weather is warm enough now that spending the nights outside a burrow is not life-threatening, just weird. There are several possible explanations. If something has happened to the tortoise's home (land cleared) or if someone took it from where it belonged and left it in your yard, it may not have had time to find a good place and establish a new home yet. The tortoise might be ill. It is hopeful that you found poop, so maybe it will move along and find a good place to live. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 From: lori Subject: Bothering a tortoise It has come to my attention that there is a gopher tortoise who lives in a ball field in Palm Coast. The poor thing is constantly being harrassed by kids digging in the burrow, pulling the tortoise out and sticking it with sticks. Since it is an emdanger species isn't there anything we can do to legally stop them and make them aware that it is illegal. I will be put in jail soon if it keeps up and I knock one of these lovely kids with the stick that they are sticking the tortoise with!! Please let me know what I can do ??? Thanks, Lori PS: I do work with the wildlife rehab up here in Flager Co. But havn't gotten too far with them. I just know there has to be something out there that can be done!!!! |
Dear Lori, I hope you are not already in jail! Believe it or not, this is not the first time this type of question has been submitted. My suggestion is that you try educating the kids first. You can download or order some materials from the Gopher Tortoise Council website that may help. If you can enlist the kids as protectors of the tortoise, they will stop being harassers. Now, my second option, if the first doesn't work, is to find their parents and politely tell them that their little darlings are breaking the law by bothering a state-protected species. A photograph or two might help convince them they need to pay better attention. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 From: robin Subject: [keeps running away] My tortoise lives in a lush yard with everything but is constanly trying to run away, Can you tell me what to do? thanks Robin |
Dear Robin, The first thing I must tell you is that if you are referring to a gopher tortoise, it is illegal for you to keep it in captivity without a permit. Is the tortoise a wild animal, or did you purchase it as a pet? Do you know what kind of tortoise it is? | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 15 May 2004 From: The Wipps Subject: eating habitsfor russian tortoises is it bad if my russian tortoise is not eating |
It is not good for any animal to go too long without eating. However, reptiles are cold-blooded, and if their body temperature is cool, they can go for a few months without feeding. I suggest that you get some professional help to best care for your tortoise. Either go back to the pet store or individual where you got the tortoise and ask for information, or find a tortoise expert or veterinarian in your area. Many people have the mistaken idea that turtles and tortoises are easy pets, but that is not true. They have complicated dietary and temperature requirements that must be addressed for the animals to remain healthy. If you cannot find local help, please write me back and I will try to find some for you. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 13 May 2004 From: Deborah Subject: [hurt tortoise] We just found a hurt tortoise and we don't know what it is. It has orange spots on it's legs, a dome shell, and we found it digging a hole in our backyard. what is it? |
A liscensed wildlife rehabilitator should be able to help you. I cannot tell what kind of turtle it is without seeing a picture, but you could look on the web or in a field guide to identify it. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 12 May 2004 Subject: help [what do we do with it?] Hi I live in Springfiled, Ga and my boyfriend picked up a turtle on the side of the road and i think it may be a goper tortoise. what do we do with it? |
Heather, Tell him to take it back where he got it and release it in the closest spot that is safe. Gopher tortoises are protected by the State in Georgia and it is illegal to keep them or move them around. Look for habitat alongside the road and put it into the woods. It likely came from somewhere near there and should have burrows available to it. Thanks. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 05 May 2004 From: Kim Subject: question [traffic & wounds] Hi, I am so sorry to bother you... but I have a problem.. I went to pick my daughter up from school when I saw something walking on the side of the road... ( a Tortoise ) so I stopped my car and picked him up and put him on the other side of this fenced in area by the school heading in the same direction he was going to start with just on the other side of the fence and away from the traffic... well I went in to pick my daughter up and came out and as I was leaving I see the tortoise back on the side of the road.. I did not want to see him get hit by a car... I have seen that happen to many times and its horrible people don't care or they don't pay attention.... needless to say.. I picked him up and took him home to see if I could find somewhere else safe to relocate him but I started to check the Internet to see what kind he is and it seems I have found myself a Gopher Tortoise.... and Now I Have no clue what to do with him.. I don't want to put him back from where I found him.... because it is a certain death sentence for him and I don't want to worry about that can you please let me know what I need to do for this poor guy... he looks like he has been through some rough times looks like he is missing an eye... please tell me what I need to do for him or who I need to contact to get him to a new safe home.. thank you so much in advance for your time... Mrs. K. Palermo |
Ms. Palermo, If you will tell me what town or city you live in, I will figure out where you can take it. Sounds as though it might need to be taken to a rehabilitator. Can you tell how old the wound is? |
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| Date: Mon, 03 May 2004 From: Becky Subject: GohperTortiose [care for baby] I live in Wedgefield which is between the 520 and 528. We have several Gopher Tortoises out there and I found a baby yesterday near the road and my driveway. I searched my property for a den but to no avail did I find one. I am not one to keep a creature in captivity, but I felt a baby of this size would get hit by a car or eaten by the other creatures in my area. A friend of mine has a few turtles which are her babies, so I gave the tortoise to her to care for until I can learn more about them. I understand they are herbivores, but will they eat lettuce and fruits? What would be the best foods to give it and what type of environment should she create, a sandy terrarium, a dirt one? Is a heat lamp necessary? I was just informed they are a protected species and you need a permit to keep a Gopher Tortiose. My intentions are for the tortoise, so if there is a safe haven to bring the tortiose I would be more than happy to do so. |
Dear Becky, I understand your concern for the tortoise and your wish to do the right thing. Many hatchling/juvenile tortoises do not dig burrows, but hide themselves underneath vegetation or in other holes. When it gets a little older, it will start digging burrows. Please take the tortoise back to where you found it and let it go out of harm's way. Tortoises are difficult to keep healthy because they have complicated diet and temperature requirements. By removing it from the wild, you also have removed its reproductive potential. The tortoise will take the best care of itself. Please let it go. |
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| Date: Sun, 02 May 2004 From: Joanne Subject: ? [telling age] How can you tell how old a gopher is. And if it is a boy or girl |
Once a tortoise becomes an adult (about 20 years), it is very difficult to pinpoint its age. I usually just classify them as hatchlings, juveniles, subadults, and adults. Hatchlings and juveniles are orange in color and get browner as they get older. The shell will be soft until they are about 5 years old. A subadult looks just like an adult, but is smaller. Males have a concavity on the bottom shell (plastron) near the tail. A female's plastron is perfectly flat. |
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| Date: Sun, 02 May 2004 From: HuGbUnNy Subject: hello [consequences] hello i am writing because i have a baby gopher turtle that i rescued. i dont want to give it up so what is the consequence ? |
Gopher tortoises are legally protected, so by keeping the tortoise, you are breaking the law. The consequences depend on where you live and who levies them. If you are in the portion of the tortoise's range where they are federally protected, the consequences will be much more. Quite frankly, you could easily keep the tortoise and never get caught. However, that would be a very selfish thing to do. Tortoises are difficult to keep healthy in captivity because of their complicated food and temperature requirements. Also, by taking the tortoise from the wild, it will never be able to reproduce. We don't just lose that animal, but its reproductive contribution as well. Please do the right thing and release the tortoise out of harm's way, but near where you found it. |
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| Sent: Sun 5/2/2004 Subject: Gopher tortoise [baby] In walking scrub land we have seen many gopher burrows and even the tortoises themselves. Today we saw a small turtle at the sight of a burrow that an adult tortoise was occupying, This turtle was about 3 inches in size and had a distinctive yellow outline hexagon pattern. Is this what a baby tortoise looks like? From a distance it almost looked like a BOX TURTLE but on closer inspection it did not seem to have the shell of a box turtle. The tortoises are not disturbed, just sighted. Thank you for responding. Diane |
Dear Diane, It sounds like what you saw was a hatchling or juvenile gopher tortoise. You can probably find a picture of one on the web or in a field guide. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 01 May 2004 From: chez Subject: tortise [South Africa] i often have my neighbours tortise in my garden and i am concerned about what it should eat? they are proceted in south africa and one should have a licence but it does not belong to me and i am wondering if it is being feed correctly. this is the eastern cape of south africa, the nearest city is east london. please could you help? |
Dear Cheryl, I think you are telling me that the neighbors' tortoise is their pet and that they have a permit to keep it, but you are afraid it is not being fed properly. I suggest that you go to them and ask about the tortoise, not as though you suspect anything, but as if you are curious about the animal. That should be enough information to tell you how to proceed. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 30 Apr 2004 From: tania morgan Subject: my tortoise eyes i have recently bought a horsfield tortoise i dont know its age but it is approximately 3/4 inches in lenght and the eyes are closed and appear alittle swollen with white 'skin' and weeping a clear fluid does this sound normal. i eagerly await your response Tania |
No, the eye condition you describe does not sound norma. You should take the tortoise to a vet that is familiar with reptiles, or to a wildlife rehabilitator in your area. Once you get a diagnosis, inform the pet store or individual that sold you the tortoise so they can help prevent spreading any diseases. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2004 From: wiggy171 Subject: question [burrows] Your Q&A section is such a great resource! I have a few questions about gopher tortoise burrows. How old are the tortoises when they build burrows and do they build burrows during a specific time of the year? Thank you so much! Tawnya |
Dear Tawnya, Some tortoises will dig a burrow shortly after hatching from the egg. Other hatchlings will hide under vegetation, in depressions on the ground, or in adult burrows and wait until they are larger to dig a burrow. I have not ever noticed that there is a seasonality to burrow digging, but am not sure that anyone has ever done a study on that. Thanks for the questions and nice comments about our site. |
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| Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2004 From: herr west Subject: eating habits At what time(s) does a gopher come out of its burrow to eat? Does the temperature, weather, or season play a role? What is the overall favorite food of the gopher in the central florida area? What is the largest gopher ever recorded? |
Dear David, Great questions!! Temperature probably plays the biggest part in determining what time of day a tortoise will come out to feed, but I also think that season has some influence as well. Even on a warm day in the winter, many tortoises will be inactive. However, if it is warm for several days in a row, they will start feeding. Our radiotagged tortoises were active all year round when there were nice days. They rarely come out into the rain, unlike desert tortoises.
Detailed information can be found in an excerpt of a book chapter written by some friends of mine. It will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about tortoise plants. "GOPHER TORTOISE MANAGEMENT IN YARDS, SMALL RANCHES, FARMS AND MITIGATION PARKS"Italics text added by webmaster. The maximum tortoise length is 15 inches. |
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| Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 From: Rosiem1993 Subject: [eat?] what do gopher turtles eat ?????????? |
Gopher tortoises eat a wide variety of low-growing vegetation. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 From: John Subject: GOPHER TORTOISE [hissing sound] If children handle a gopher tortoise is there any diseases that humans can catch from it? Will it bite? What does the hissing sound it makes mean? |
Anything that is alive has the potential to carry disease, so it is always a good idea to wash hands after touching or handling animals. Use a good antibacterial soap. I have handled hundreds of gopher tortoises and never been bitten. They are not typically aggressive at all, except toward each other. Many people mistake the hissing sound that tortoises make as being threatening. It is actually the air rushing from their lungs when they pull their head and legs into the shell. They have to make room in there! Thanks for the thoughtful questions. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 15 Apr 2004 Subject: gopher tortoise defenses [related species] hi I have three questions, I would appreciate your response, I am doing a research paper. Do gopher tortoises have any type of defense?, Is it closely related to any other species?,Is this animal endangered? Thanks, Sam D. |
Dear Sam, The gopher tortoise's main defense is its shell. It is very hard and the tortoise can pull all of its body parts inside. Young tortoises often get eaten because their shells are still soft until about five years of age. Gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) are in the same genus (Gopherus) as the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) and Berlandier's tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri). Gopher tortoises are federally protected under the endangered species act in the western portion of their range, but are protected at the state level in Georgia and Florida. Good luck on your research paper. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2004 From: Andrew Schiro Subject: Great Web Site Hello Becky, I just wanted to drop you a note and thank you for the job you are doing on your site. I'm a Florida Park Ranger, these questions seem to just keep being recycled, the best we can do it just keep answering them. You do a wonderful job of that which should be commended. If you are ever in the Tampa Bay area please take the time to go out to Egmont Key and see the Gopher tortoises there. I was a ranger there for about a year and they have what is estimated to be about 1500 gophers on a 1 1/2 mile island with no predators. Its really fun to go out in the afternoon and see 20-30 gopher tortoises frolicking in the field by the lighthouse. Keep up the good work, I really enjoy reading the responses... Andy Schiro Park Ranger Honeymoon Island State Park |
Dear Andy, Thanks so much. You made my week and it's only Monday! I certainly cannot take that much of the credit. I have lots of great resources out there to help with the questions that I can't answer, and our web master is a magician. Nonetheless, I will enjoy the compliment. I have always heard about and wanted to visit Egmont, so now I will go for sure on my next venture across the state. Take care. |
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| Date: Thu, 08 Apr 2004 From: Dewitt47 Subject: hatchling box turtles Hi. My grandmother has recently found a baby box turtle. She found it upside down on its shell. She thought it was dead, but it was only a little stiff. It seemed frozen. She brought it home and after it had warmed a little it started to move and walk around. Its eyes are closed. Is that normal? The turtle is a little over an inch long. Please send information on what I should do for it. What and how should I feed it. How should I give it water? Do I need to take it to a vet? What should I keep it in? |
I have never kept a box turtle, but there is lots of information on the web about taking care of them.
www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-flboxie.htm Quite frankly, keeping a box turtle is not easy. You can probably keep it alive, but you likely can't keep it healthy. I would highly encourage you to take it back to where you found it and let it go. We need all the baby turtles out there in the world that we can get. |
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| Date: Wed, 07 Apr 2004 From: ImYourPrincessDC Subject: [kids disturbing] gopher tortoise Hello, I live up in St. Lucie County Fl. We are having an issue with the gopher tortoises and I know they are a protected species we have some kids in the neighborhood who are trying to dig up the empty lot they are located on. I'm worried for when they get the tortoises because they are young boys about 8 to 10 years old and I cant always be out to supervise the lot - the owner lives out of state - I was wondering who I can contact about maybe either moving the tortoises to a safer location or what the possibility of someone actually doing something up here to help them? Ps. Could you give me some statistics to give the boys on the species? Like how many there are, the rate of how many we lose a year? And how much, if any is the fine for moving them or hurting or killing one? |
Hi Wendi, Good for you! The tortoise is protected by the State of Florida, and it is illegal for anyone (even little boys) to harm, harass, keep, or move tortoises without a permit. Below is a good website that offers educational materials you could give to them. If that doesn't work, you might speak to their parents, because they would be the ones responsible if anything illegal occurs. Another option is to contact the owner and have them post it. Owners usually get nervous about little kids messing on their property. www.gophertortoisecouncil.org/index.htm Best of luck, keep up the good work |
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| Date: Tue, 06 Apr 2004 From: Nicole Subject: gopher turtles [in distress] my family and i live in tampa, florida, and about a month ago, we had a gopher turtle appear in our yard and build a burrow. about a week ago or so, her brrow became abandoned, but she has not left our yard. now she sits by our front door and wont move. she'll go from one side of the wall, to the other, but thats about it. we were going to put her in the backyard, but now that we know that we are not aloud, we dont know what to do about her. her eyes used to be open and now she keeps them shut all the time. if you could please let us know what we can do, that would be great. |
Please contact a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area and take the tortoise there. It is apparently in distress, because those are not normal behaviors. If you cannot find a rehabilitator in the phone book, call some vets and ask their suggestions as to where to take the tortoise. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 05 Apr 2004 From: Sandra Subject: Tortoise Underpasses Do you know of any research (current or at least recent) that is dealing with what tortoises will use (and prefer) to pass under roads? I have read the docs on desert tortoises out west, but am looking for anything specifically dealing with gophers. I assume that they would need oversized, dry (ridgetop or mid slope), "day lighted" culverts....but what size is best, and how long is too long? Basically, i am looking for research to cite or someone to contact who has dealt with this situation. Any help would be greatly appreciated! |
Dear Sandie, There is a fair amount done with aquatic turtles. I am not familiar with any gopher tortoise crossings, but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work, provided they are designed well and in good locations. Check out these sites. There are contacts in there that might be able to help as well.
The Gopher Tortoise Council |
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| Date: Fri, 02 Apr 2004 From: Cherie Subject: [Build how close to] Gopher Tortoise Questions
What can be done or should be done to protect the gopher tortoise and the burrows while building and how far away from the burrows should the building pad be ? |
Dear Cherie, That is the kind of landowner I like to see! It is possible, with some planning and a cooperative developer, to preserve burrows and habitat. The legal protection issues are addressed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Your regional office is:
Northeast Region If you call them, they will tell you what the requirements are for a building. Another resource you can find on-line is the Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative: www.ashtonbiodiversity.org/gtci.html. |
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| Date: Thu, 01 Apr 2004 From: DebdeTaz Subject: relocation of tortoises How do you stop the relocation of 13 active burrows with tortoise that are 15 to 20 years of age? What do they do when they relocate a tortoise dig thier burrows? how do you know if they have eggs? The owners of the property they are on is trying to get rezoning passed to put in 98 condo right in the middle of these active burrows, in the middle of pine flatwoods. Help. What do I do??? |
Dear Debbie, The first step is to make sure that the developer has all of their permits. They should have one from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to either "take" (kill) or relocate the tortoises (on-site or off-site). If you can find out the details from the Commission, make sure there was an accurate survey, or that a reliable consultant did it. If you can count the burrows and take pictures, it will give you a stronger case. There may be other city or county permits required, but I am not familiar with the local laws in your area. You might try contacting the owner of the property and explaining the situation. Very often the developer will just do the easiest, cheapest thing on a piece of property and the owner might not even realize what is going on. As a last resort, call the press. Newspaper pictures or t.v. coverage of burrows about to get bulldozed usually get a developer's attention.
Here are some resources:
Southwest Region A couple of pieces of advice: Do your homework so you know what you are discussing. Be factual and as unemotional as possible. Be persistent. |
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| Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2004 From: A. Mc Subject: Tortoise layed eggs in our yard Two weeks ago my husband and I came home from a community landscaping party to find a tortoise laying eggs in a pile of sand (the only spot on our property we could never grow grass on) in our back yard. Behind our yard is privately owned property that is undeveloped. Our yard is fenced off by a chain-link fence. We can't figure out how the tortoise got in our yard, because she sure as heck had a terrible time finding her way out when she finished laying her eggs. She had so much trouble that my husband decided to dig a hole under the fence. Within two minutes she made her way into the hole and through to the other side of the fence where we assumed she came from. We staked around the sand pile so the guy who mows our lawn doesn't ride over it. When and if the babies hatch, are we to do anything, like move them? Will they find their own way under the fence? Or should we dig a hole under the fence and just leave the hole open for them? My husband's inclination is to just let nature take it's course and don't interfere once the eggs hatch. I tend to agree. What do you think? |
Dear A. Mc., Although it is not always easy, letting nature take its course if often the best choice. The only thing I would do, if anything, is move the hatchlings to the other side of the fence if you feel like the property there won't be developed in the near future. If the adult or hatchlings want to go under your fence, they can dig their own hole, no problem. I have seen them dig holes in black-topped parking lots. Were the eggs laid in a hole that the tortoise dug herself, or were they on top of the sand? If they were not in a hole, she may have been "shedding" them, which means that something was wrong with them or with her, and she was getting rid of them. If that is what happened, they won't hatch anyway. If they are in a proper nest cavity, hopefully, somewhere around 95 - 100 days, you will see hatchlings! | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 28 Mar 2004 Subject: turtles [what to do with it?] my name is nicolette ... and just today a turtle of some sort crawled up to my father and we don' t know what kind of turtle or tortoise it is. So all we did was put it in a box and feed it lettuce. so far we don't know what to do with it so here are some questions for you:what does it eat and drink um... where are gopher tortoises are originally habitated? |
Dear Nicolette, There are lots and lots of different kinds of turtles and tortoises and it is impossible for me to tell you how to care for that one without knowing what it is. You need to look at some pictures, either on-line or in field guide books, to figure that out. Another option is to take it (or its picture) to a turtle expert from a university or local herpetology club for positive identification. If you can take a digital picture of it and send it to me, I could probably identify that way as well. If you do have a gopher tortoise, you must take it back where it came from and let it go. They are legally protected by the State of Florida and cannot be kept in captivity without a permit. |
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| Date: Sun, 28 Mar 2004 Subject: Are we required to get a permit? I just ran across your website. I hope you can answer a couple of questions for me. Our family has been fortunate enough to have a Gopher Turtle adopt us. We live in Northwest Florida/ the panhandle. He came to us 3 1/2 years ago. We saw him in our back yard and did not disturb him, but watched him day after day walking around our property. We have almost an acre of land. He lived under our deck for about a month and them we noticed that he had made a burrow right outside our back door, under a bush. His burrow goes underneath our house. He has learned our voices and actually comes out when we are outside. He will walk up to us and one time when my husband was outside working on a project the turtle walked up to him and bit his shoe, not to hurt him but to get his attention. We have never tryed to keep him captive and have always let him live and walk around our property freely without any interference from anyone. We have fed him from time to time but he normally gets his own food. My question is this, should we have a permit for him to live here? He is free to go at anytime but has lived here undisturbed for years. He is not a pet. We have gotten much pleasure and knowledge from watching him, and getting to know him. |
Dear Cathy, You are so very fortunate!! No permit required as long as the tortoise is free to come and go. You shouldn't feed him (I know it is tempting!), but it is illegal and really not good for him. Count your blessings. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2004 From: Jane Subject: Gopher tortoise gestation What is the time it takes for the eggs of the gopher tortoise to hatch? Are they in southwest FL around the Englewood area? |
The length of time it takes tortoise eggs to hatch is somewhere between 80 and 110 days. The exact time is dependent on the latitude where they are located. In warmer climates, they will hatch quicker. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2004 From: terry Subject: Picture I love of gopher.
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Great picture and movie!!! Do you mind if our webmaster posts them on our site? |
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| Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2004 Subject: food [horse pasture] [#2] I just emailed you about the gopher tortoise, and I have made sure the animals will not intrude on his mound....I fenced it with wire, left off the ground about 1 foot so he call crawl in an out and the horses will not disturb it. Guess I am just concerned he will have enough food. I like him there and do not want to disturb him. Any imput you have will be appreciated. Thanks again, Diane |
Dear Diane, Your letter is very refreshing. Usually when I hear from horse or cattle people,they want to know how to get rid of the tortoises because they are afraid their animals will get hurt stepping in the burrows. It sounds like you are doing the right thing by fencing the burrow off (for tortoise and horses). It is illegal for you to supplement the tortoise's diet; their requirements are very complicated and you might be doing it harm in the long run. Actually, tortoises love freshly damaged and young vegetation because it is so tender. That is why you often can seem them on the roadsides eating new mown grass. The horses are probably keeping the grass in perfect condition for the tortoise. My suggestion is let things be. The tortoise may move along some time, either temporarily or permanently, but you certainly can enjoy him while he is there. |
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| Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2004 From: sydney Subject: Weight of tortoise shell Thanks for the beautiful service. Could you give me an idea about the weight of the tortoise shell as a proportion (percentage) of the tortoise's total body weight. |
That is a very interesting question. According to my data from marked tortoises, an average adult weighs a little more than 10 pounds. I have a couple of shells and they average about one and one-half pound. So, very roughly I would guess the shell is about one-tenth of the total body weight (this does not include the skull or any other bones). Thank you for the kind words about our site. The webmaster is a magician! |
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| Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2004 From: linda Subject: school question [change shells?] does a turtle change shells or does the shell grow with the turtle? |
A turtle's shell is an outgrowth of its bones and they do not lose or change shells. It continues to grow as the turtle grows and sheds the top layer of shell (called scutes). That is why shell injuries are very often fatal for turtles. Good luck on your project. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2004 From: Brett Subject: Hibernation We live in central Florida. I have each had a active Gopher Turtles hole in our back yard for years. We enjoy seeing him come out each day. He's very friendly. He'll come out to my wife to eat hibiscus flowers out of her hand. About 2 months ago all activity stopped. No fresh dirt that is dug out. No activity at all. Same thing happened with my neighbor's turtle hole & turtle. i read on one of your responses that in northern FL turtles will hibernate for months but not usually in central FL. Is there ever an exception to that rule to be the possibility that these turtles may have chosen to hibernate this year because of possible initial cold spells in January? We just like to know if it's normal for a long resident turtle to change habits like this. |
Dear Brett, There are several possible explanations. Tortoises dig more than one burrow and use them at different times. When I was radiotracking tortoises here on the Space Center, we found that males average 15 different burrows in a year, and females averaged nine. The least any tortoise had was three. So, the animals might have moved to other burrows, perhaps having something to do with season. They could be down in the burrows, but the weather has not been bad at all, and I have seen tortoises out feeding in other places. If they were very large (therefore, very old), they might have died. It seems unlikely that they both would die at the same time, but they easily could have been from the same clutch of eggs. Someone could have taken them, or they could both have wandered into traffic. I hate to be so glum, but it is not easy for tortoises out there in the neighborhoods. Hopefully, they are just using other burrows and will be back soon. |
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| Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2004 From: Ginny Subject: gopher tortoise question [freshwater wetlands] i need to find documentation on a statement made in your gopher tortoise fact sheet that says "They will also spend time feeding in shallow freshwater wetlands called swales." can you give me references in the scientific literature on this or is it strictly anecdotal information? thanks, ginny |
Hi Ginny, That statement came from my experience radiotracking tortoises. I have a published paper and will be happy to send you a reprint if you send me a mailing address. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2004 From: DNTinsley Subject: (no subject) [good for pet?] I live in California and would like to get a tortoise as a pet. There are several great vivariums in my area that carry tortoises. I understand that they take specialized care. What is a good tortoise to keep as a pet? |
Dear Darrin, Whether or not a tortoise makes a good pet depends on what you want. They are not smart and rely on instinct. They will not be affectionate. The housing and feeding requirements can be complicated, so your ability to do a good job depends on your committment and resources. It is easy to keep a tortoise, but not particularly easy to keep a tortoise healthy. Think about it for a while before you decide. If you do it, buy a captive born animal, not one taken from the wild. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2004 From: Carol Subject: [BABY] TORTOISE I found a baby turtle in my yard . He was in the corner covered up with some leaves. His shell was soft. He is brown with yellow designs on him and a yellow bottom . He looks like the Gopher Tortoise in the picture. There was a small hole dug next to the fence and he was there, but there are several cats in my yard and I'm afraid they will kill him. Do you think he was hatched there or just walked back there from the front yard. Do you think there may be other siblings in the hole. Is he able to feed himself , since he's so small, he's about 2''. |
The tortoise is probably alone, although there may be others in the area. Your best bet is to leave him alone (that is also what you should do from a legal standpoint). Hopefully, he will be able to hide from the cats. If you could do something about them, it would be good. Tortoises are able to care for themselves from the time they hatch. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2004 From: Shenty Subject: Sulcata [hates me] I think my tortoise hates me, is there anything that I can do to make her like me? Rubbing her in a special spot maybe?? I want her to like me. Is there a book I could read or a website. Is she sad or depress?? |
Dear Shenty, Tortoises are reptiles and do not operate on brain power, but rely on instinct. Your tortoise isn't smart enough to hate you, and it isn't smart enough to like you either. The best you will probably be able to do is for the tortoise to figure out that you are its source of food. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2004 From: waleed Subject: tortoise for sell i want to ask you about Galapagos Tortoise for sell and i want it big. it best to be from south african do you have or not, i am from kuwait if you havent it i hope from you to help me . |
Dear Dr. Algallaf, It is illegal to keep many kinds of tortoises, or to transport them between countries. You need to check the international trade laws before you attemp to buy any wildlife. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 From: WadeZeke Subject: what do baby [eat] what do baby gopher turles eat |
All gopher tortoises eat a wide variety of low-growing herbs and grasses. If you are asking me this because you are keeping one, please let it go where you found it. It is illegal for you to have. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2004 From: Derek and Wanda Subject: gopher turtles [buying land that has gopher turtles on it] We were looking at 5 acres of land the other day and noticed 4 to 5 gopher turtle holes on the property. We were wondering what the procedure is for buying land that has gopher turtles on it in Lake county Florida? |
Please contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to get specifics (myfwc.com/) (352-732-1225). Also, just to be safe, I would contact the Lake County Office of Natural Resources to see if they have additional requirements. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 01 Feb 2004 From: Ellen Subject: Good Day! [feed them] I have two tortoises (big ones) and would like to know what I must feed them. Do they need to be bathed, and what attention to and how much do they need to be happy? Please give me some support on them. They are not water turtoises, but land turtoises. How can I find out how old they are?, by counting the deviders on their shells? Thanking You!! |
Dear Ellen, You need to find out what kind of tortoises you have and get information specific to that kind. If they are gopher tortoises, it is illegal for you to keep them and you need to return them to wherever they were found. Figure out what you have and write me back. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 29 Feb 2004 Subject: [what to feed it] hi i need help on how to look after your tortoise's because i've never had one so i dont now what to feed it how to look after it like what kind of house it needs from gina |
Dear Gina, If the tortoise you have is a gopher tortoise, it is illegal for you to keep it as a pet. Please return to wherever you got it and let it go. If it is not a gopher tortoise, ask the pet store where you bought it for a care sheet. Also, there are lots of good web sites that tell how to care for various reptile pets. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 29 Feb 2004 From: melissa Subject: How do I get a permit to keep a Gopher tortoise? My cats dragged in a baby turtle, that I think may be a gopher tortoise. I would really like to keep him, can you tell me how I can get a permit to keep him? I live in Mims and the area is full of dogs and cats and I am afraid if I let him go he will get eaten. I have had him for about a week and he appears to be uninjured. If I am unable to keep him I would like to know the best location to let him go. |
Dear Melissa, It is illegal for you to keep the tortoise and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will not issue a permit to keep it as a pet. You need to let it go. If you can find an adult burrow, put it in there. That will help keep it safe from predators like cats and dogs. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2004 From: MICHAEL Subject: piles of dirt
We just moved to Florida and every morning we find mounds of dirt in an area of our back yard, could it be a tortoise? There are ponds in the area. Thanks
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Hi, and welcome to Florida. If the dirt mounds are caused by a tortoise, there will be an opening into the ground that will not change from day to day. I have attached a couple of pictures. An armadillo could also be making burrows, but they will be shorter and not half-moon shaped like a tortoise burrow. If the piles are just piles and not associated with a burrow, then it could be pocket gophers, moles, or ants.
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| Date: Sun, 15 Feb 2004 From: Kpattykake Subject: gopher turtle habitat We have a groop of Junior Girl Scouts here in Miami that are going to be building a habitat for gopher turtles at the Museum of Science. Can you give us some ideas on providing the best habitat. Types of plants, food, soil, etc. ... |
Dear Girl Scouts, First of all, I must tell you that it is illegal in Florida to keep gopher tortoises without a permit from the State. Please be sure that the museum has the proper permits or is working on getting them. Attached is a workbook that a friend of mine, Ray Ashton from the Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative, wrote. I suggest that you take the plant list to a native plant nursery so you get species that will do well in your area. With gopher tortoise food, the biggest factor for success is having variety. The soil must be soft enough to dig in, but strong enough to hold the shape of a burrow. You could call your Dept. of Agriculture soil group and ask them what kind of soil they suggest. Or go to a place that already has tortoises band see what kind of soil is there. |
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| Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2004 From: Dolores Subject:[dead or hybernating] how do i know if my slider turtles are dead or hybernating? |
Dolores, Turtles in colder climates will hibernate during the winter. In order to help with your question, I would need to know the general location of where you live, and if your turtles are kept inside or outside. By this time, if they are dead, you probably already know. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 08 Feb 2004 From: Ian (UK) Subject: tortoises [hybernate] is there any tortoises that don't need to hybernate |
Whether or not a tortoise becomes dormant during the winter depends more on where it lives than what kind of tortoise it is. In cool climates (north Florida, Georgia), gopher tortoises stay inside burrows for several months, whereas gopher tortoises in central and southern Florida remain active all year long. Tortoises that live nearer the equator have no need to hibernate, but they may become dormant during the heat of summer. Thanks for the good question. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 02 Feb 2004 From: John Subject: gopher tortoise [relocate to safety] Thank you, John |
Dear John, First, I apologize for the long time to respond. As you probably already know, relocating a tortoise without a permit is illegal in Florida. That being said, it is very hard to just walk away when you know that the animal is likely going to be road kill before the day is over. You did the right thing trying to call the agencies, and I am sorry that they did not assist you. What I advise people to do in an "imminent danger" situation is to move the tortoise out of harm's way, but try to stay in the immediate area so that it can find its way home to a burrow. Aging tortoises is very difficult, especially once they are adults. A hatchling is about three inches long, soft, and orange to brown in color. At around five years old (a juvenile), the shell completely hardens and they are the typical brown color. Once they reach adult size, aging them is about impossible with any hope of accuracy. In my work, I just classify them as hatchling, juvenile, or adult. Thanks for trying to do the right thing. |
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| Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 From: Snowjo93 Subject: invertebrate or vertebrate Are tortoises invertebrates or vertebrates |
Tortoises are vertebrates because they have a backbone. The "higher" evolved animals (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) are all vertebrates. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2004 From: Larry886172 Can map turtles live without a shell? Will the shell grow back |
The shell of a turtle is part of its skeletal system. In other words, it is outer bone that grows from their inner bones. No turtle can live without the shell, and they do not shed their shells as they grow. If the turtle has lost any of its shell, it is a serious situation that needs to be professionally treated. Please take the turtle to a vet that has experience with reptiles, or to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. If you need help locating someone, please write me back and tell me what city you live in, and I will locate someone for you. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004 From: Steve Subject: Slider turtles Can a yellow bellied slider mate with a red eared slider? |
Red-eared sliders have been documented breeding with other sliders in captivity. There are lots of websites out there with r-e slider information. | ||||||||
| Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2004 From: sarah Subject: age range I am doing a interpretive trail for the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. While your site has a great many wonderful questions about Gopher Tortoises I have yet to find a defenitive answer to mine. What is the aproximate age range for the Gopher Tortoise? How many comensual species do you think inhabit the Gophers burrow? And what is thier reproductive rate? (Do they lay every year or every few years?) Thank you for all your help. |
Dear Sarah, Supposedly, gopher tortoises have lived to 100 years in captivity, but I have never seen that documented anywhere. In the wild, they can live probably live 60 years. They lay one clutch of eggs per year. Over 300 species of invertebrates and vertebrates have been documented using tortoise burrows. Good luck with the trail, and feel free to write back if you need any more information. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 From: BLBBABYBOY13 Subject: [age] HEYY how can I tell how old a gopher tortoise is? |
Hi, I can give you a few hints to aging tortoises, but telling the exact age is about impossible. If the tortoise is brand new, it will be about 2 inches long, and the shell will be orange and soft. Sometimes you can still see an umbilical scar on the lower belly shell (plastron) where it was attached to the egg. At about five years of age, the shell will be completely hard and brown, and the carapace (top shell) will be around 6 inches long. An adult tortoise carapace will be from 10 to 15 inches long. These are all very general measurements and will vary according to location and latitude. I usually just say hatchling, juvenile, or adult. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2004 From: Flo Subject: Gopher tortoise [build a home] We are planning to buy some land in Central Florida and have discovered that there are several gopher tortoise holes on the property. We want to build a home on the land. Are they protected in Florida. Would we be able to build on that land? |
Dear Perry, The gopher tortoise is protected by the State of Florida. However, it is possible for you to build on your property if you do not disturb the tortoises with the development, or you get a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Every situation is different, so I suggest that you investigate the following websites and contact their organizations to help you make an informed decision: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - http://myfwc.com Gopher Tortoise Conservation International - www.ashtonbiodiversity.org/gtci.html For general gopher tortoise information: The Gopher Tortoise Council - www.gophertortoisecouncil.org/index.htm I hope you get the answers you need, and decide to do what you can to conserve the wonderful natural resources on your land. You are lucky to have them. |
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| Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2004 From: Maxwell Subject: Gopher tortoise burrow entrance I would like to make a model of a gopher tortoise burrow, but I don't have any dimensions of it's entrance. Could you please tell me a bit about their burrows? I'd like to know stuff like how big is the opening, is there a mound or cavity around the opening to the burrow, and what kinds of brush is generally in the area. Any hard numbers or general ranges would be really useful in making my model to proper scale. Oh, one last thing, do the burrows only ever have one entrance, or can they have more? |
Dear Maxwell, The size of a burrow is determined by the size of the tortoise that digs it. A hatchling burrow will only be a couple of inches wide, but a large adult burrow can be eight or ten inches wide. In some habitats (sand or loose dirt) there will be a mound of dirt outside the entrance that is the dirt from the inside that the tortoise had thrown out. If the burrow is in wetter habitats, or where there are more roots and plant material in the soil, there will be less dirt to throw out and the mound in front will be smaller or nonexistent. The vegetation around the burrow will also depend on habitat, but there should be some low-growing herbaceous plants available for food. Burrows only have one entrance, although sometimes two tunnels with separate entrances may intersect underground and it looks like one burrow has two entrances, but I think this is just an accident. I have attached some burrow pictures.  |
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| Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2003 From: Pinktiger8301 Subject: skeletal system of a gopher tortoise Hello, I am doing a project comparing the skeletal system of a gopher tortoise to a human skeletal system. I wanted to know, how many bones are there in a gopher tortoise skeletal system? Can you please describe some disorders they might get (i.e. arthritis, rickets, osteoporosis, scoliosis)? Thank you! Science Student |
Dear Science Student, You are going to need more information than I can give you off the top of my head or out of my books. I suggest you go to the local library or university library and look at some books on Herpetology. There will be diagrams of tortoise skeletal systems in the reptile sections, and disease descriptions. Good luck, and feel free to write back if you need more guidance. Becky Smith |
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| Date: Thu, 04 Dec 2003 From: Imlacutie Subject: color and size of the tortoises on birth and adulthood I hope that you could awnser me thise, I have a report to do and I chosed tortoises on Galapagos island and I was wondering what is the size of the tortoises at birth and as an adult, and what color is it on birth and as an adult.Thankyou |
Hi, I do not know very much about Galapagos tortoises, but suggest you search the web. Here are a couple of websites to get you started. http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/tortoise.html http://www.thebigzoo.com/Animals/Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise.asp |
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| Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2003 From: David Subject: A quick question??? [found a tortoise] Dear Becky, My mom and I found a gopher tortoise on Sunday 11/9/03 and we live in Naples Florida (Golden gate estates) The tortoise is about 12 inches long and weighs about 7 or 8 pounds. Would it be safe if we put it in a place near our home called Corkscrew sanctuary? In the meantime what should we feed it? Should we put it in a tub of water? Do they bite or scratch? And also, how can we tell how old it is or if it is a male or female? Do they travel alone or with family? Thank you for your time, Sincerely, Megan |
Dear Megan, The gopher tortoise is protected by the State of Florida, so it is illegal for you to keep or move the tortoise. My suggestion (please!!!) is that you take it back where you found it, out of harm's way, and release it. Write back if you like. |
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| Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2003 From: amepul4 Subject: [Sulcata Tortoise] I have an Sulcata Tortoise. It is about 9 months old. I have him in a 10 gallon aquarium right now. At what age do I change the size of his aquarium? Also what is the best things to feed him and should I not feed him the same things everyday? |
I am not familiar with the requirements to keep a Sulcata healthy and happy. I do know that they get very large and a 10-gallon aquarium is not going to be sufficient for very long. You need to do some homework. There are many sources on-line for Sulcata care. Be sure to look at several because not everyone agrees on what is best, so it is good to have many opinions. You can also contact a local herp club or turtle club if there is one in your area (if you tell me what town you live in, I may be able to give you a contact name or group). The place where you bought the tortoise, if you bought it at a good pet store, should have information to give you, or at least information resources to share. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 09 Nov 2003 From: EMS.28EMS Subject: EGGS Hi, We were fortunate to watch a mother turtoise lay her eggs on 11-8-03. The concern is she layed them on the edge of our durt road where the weight of vehicles could possible crush the eggs in the ground. I have two questions. 1. Do you think we should try and move them or leave them alone? 2. I see it takes 90 days for incubation of the eggs and is this the correct time of year for them to lay their eggs or will it be to cold in the next few months for the hatchlings? |
It is a strange time and place for a gopher tortoise to be laying eggs. Sometimes, if something is wrong with the female or the eggs, she will just drop them anywhere to keep them from rotting in her body. If she dug a normal nest, the eggs would be deep enough to be safe from vehicles. My sense is that something is not right, but you should leave the eggs alone, even if it means they get destroyed (that is what is legal anyway). Hopefully, the female just had a bad year for whatever reason and will be able to reproduce next year. Tortoises live so long that they get plenty of chances. | ||||||||
| Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2003 From: BaByCuTe002 Subject: Question [Talk to a ranger] My name is Karlie Campbell and I go to Clay Springs Elementary in Apopka,Florida, and I have a project at school about Gopher Tortoise's that we do all year. Anyways,my question is: Do you know of any place (that is around Apopka,Florida) that I could visit to either talk to a ranger,go on a hike,anything that concerns a gopher tortoise and also a place where I can observe a gopher tortoise's and the communities they live in? E-mail me back. Thank You So Much |
Dear Karlie, You have a couple of great places to go to see gopher
tortoises right in Apopka. Visit the Wekiwa Springs State Park and Lower
Wekiwa State Preserve. There are biologists that work there that might be
able to talk to you or give you a tour. Look at the parks' websites: www.floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings/ www.floridastateparks.org/lowerwekivariver/ Good luck and have fun! |
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| Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2003 From: BASeger1 Subject: Babies I just love your website. I saw 2 newly hatched gopher tortoises in my garden and it seemed like they were trying to bury themselves with sand and leaves. Is this a normal thing for them to do? I thought maybe they were doing it to keep warm since the temp. had dropped into the 70's. Are they trying to keep warm or trying to hibernate maybe? I haven't seen them in about a week but think they may still be around because the weeds seem to have bite marks in them. -- Barb |
Dear Barb, Very often, hatchling tortoises will not dig a burrow, but will
hide underneath vegetation hanging or growing near the ground. This helps
protect them from temperature extremes, predtors, fire, etc. Keep your eyes
open, because they typically don't move far, and you may see them again
several times over the year. Thanks for the kind words about the website. Our web master is a magician, and the credit goes to him. Becky |
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| Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2003 From: Mark Subject: Differences [turtles and tortoises] What are the differences between turtles and tortoises? My teach has ask this question and the dictionary doesn't give me a clear answer. Can you please e-mail the answer? thanks, Bob (6th grader) |
Dear Bob, The terms "turtle" vs "tortoise" do not have any physiological difference (i.e., different body parts, blood, hormones, etc., etc.). Those are words that non-scientists gave to these animals long ago and they have stuck. In general, "tortoise" refers to turtles that live strictly on land, such as the gopher tortoise. However, box turtles also live strictly on land, but we don't call them box tortoises. All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. You should be able to use that to impress everyone in your class, including the teacher! |
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| Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2003 From: jackie Subject: flooded burrows I hope you can answer my question. I am a environmental student, and a part-time junior ecologist for a engineering firm. Currently we are doing a DRI on a parcel which has many Gopher Tortoise burrows. My first question is what is the recommended training period for trainees? And can Gopher Tortoise utilize burrows that are flooded? As I have been scoping I have found them in flooded burrows. Are they dead? Some of the burrows have signs of recent activity, even though thay are flooded. Has there been any research on this matter? I am thinking it would be a good thesis. Just to let you know we are calling all flooded burrows Inactive just in case, but no one seems to be able to answer my question. Thanks! |
Dear Jackie, You have asked some very good questions. First, there is no set period of training for gopher tortoise work, and that is unfortunate because there are many people doing work on their own that shouldn't be. If you look on the Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative website, there is a three-day training course that would put you on the right track. Also, you can learn by reading scientific literature on your own. You should ask your company to get you trained, either in a course or by someone that has lots of experience and knows what they are doing. Gopher tortoises will use flooded burrows and they are not dead when you see them in there. In the winter, the water in a burrow is often warmer than the air temperature, so it is a good place to be. Because they are cold-blooded, they can slow down their metabolic rate and don't need to breathe very often. I do not know off hand any studies on this, but it is common knowledge among researchers. |
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| Date: Wed, 05 Nov 2003 From: Maguire Subject: [Newly hatched box turtles] I live in Dallas, Texas. I have 6 box turtles that have lived in my courtyard for 6 or 7 years and they have all hibernated and come back on their own each year. I have a mixture of types. I have one female that has tried every year to lay eggs but never does. This time, however, she actually did and ther are now 2 little baby turtles wallking around. They have just been born within the last week to 10 days. It is now Nov. 5 and all my other turtles are either beginning hibernation or are ready. My question is, can these new babies be ok if they hibernate? I know they can't have much fat stored because they really are barely eating. I gave them cat food and a worm but they aren't real interested yet. But then I think, they have babies in the woods and no one takes care of them and they do fine. I think trying to keep all the conditions perfect indoors is harder. Maybe the turtles have a better chance in their natural environment. I read in one of my books that the babies are often born in July and August. These were born very late October. Any advice? - Donna |
Dear Donna, I am certainly not a box turtle expert, but my intuition says leave them on their own. Box turtles are common in climates much colder than Dallas, and they make it fine. You are right that duplicating a healthy environment for them indoors would be difficult. It is easy to keep turtles alive in captivity, but it is not easy to keep them healthy. I can not promise that they will be o.k. this late in the year, but I do think that it is best for them to take care of themselves. |
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| Date: Mon, 03 Nov 2003 Subject: Information on helping Becky - I love your page, even though there are many very sad questions and answers, the information is extremely valuable. The reason I am writing is I would like to know how to become active in protecting these magnificent creatures in my area. I live in Lee Co. Florida and am very close to the Charlotte, Hendry, and Collier Co. boarders. I have an elongated female that was given to me as a gift 17 years ago and have just fell in love with them all. I would love to assist in research and relocation of the gophers in this area. I currently work as an Environmental Specialist for a large company and am often out on cattle ranches and see the borrows. I am very interested in studying them. Any advice would be welcome. I still can't believe we are allowed to just bury them alive for the sake of the almighty buck! Is that a statewide law? or can it vary from county to county? Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Jacqueline |
Dear Jacqueline, I suggest that you look at the Gopher Tortoise Council website and see if there is a contact person in your area. Another idea is to look for a local herpetology society. They often meet monthly and you would probably find people with similar interests there. Active herp societies often participate in research projects and field trips. |
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| Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2003 From: Glenn Marie Subject: water tortoise or land tortoise my grandma found a red, orange, and black tortiose yesterday and im not sure if it is a water or land tortiose. I really dont know anything about this tortiose at all and i need help with information about it so i can raise it. I need to know what it eats and what its priorities are. Is it an outside tortiose or a cageable tortiose? Alicia 15yrs old, ca |
Dear Alicia, It is very important that you correctly identify the tortoise/turtle. If it is a gopher tortoise, it is a legally protected species and you can not keep it as a pet. If it is not a protected species, you will still want to know exactly what it is so you can do the best job of taking care of it that you can. Because turtles are cold-blooded reptiles, they are often difficult to keep healthy in captivity. I discourage people from taking animals from the wild and keeping them as pets because that turtle will never reproduce again, and it should not ever be released into the wild once you keep it for awhile. The best place to get a pet is from a reputable pet store or dealer. Do your homework and find an animal that you can take care of well. |
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| Date: Sat, 18 Oct 2003 From: steven and chris Subject: habitat can you tell me some imformation on the gopher tortoises habitat |
Generally, tortoises need habitat that is high and dry to dig burrows, but also use a range of wetter habitats for feeding. These different habitats are often dispersed in close proximity to each other. There is good habitat information on the Enchanted Forest website and the Gopher Tortoise Council website. | ||||||||
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Date: Tue, 04 Nov 2003 From: Lisa Subject: Advice on releasing pet tortoises I came across your site while looking up other tortoise info. Your advice to release captives into the wild is well-meaning but dead WRONG--but perhaps you've already learned this (I did not check the date on the page). Any animal held in captivity may have been exposed to pathogens which could wreak havoc in wild populations. Please advise instead that well-meaning pet owners should contact either their state Fish and Wildlife Dept., wildlife rehabilitation services or an accredited zoo, the latter which may act as a point of info and referral to other appropriate agencies. Thanks, Lisa |
Thank you, Lisa, and I agree. Unless I really dizzed out or misunderstood the situation, I never tell people to release tortoises that they have held captive as a pet into the wild. If someone writes and tells me that they picked up a tortoise off the road and want to release it, I tell them to take it back to where they got it, out of harm's way, and release it into appropriate habitat (which I describe). If they can not do that (i.e., no habitat, tortoise is injured, they have had it for more than a couple of days, it came from far away, etc.), I advise them to find a liscensed wildlife rehabilitator, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, or write me back for help. I realize that a tortoise could potentially contract something is that short period of time, but it is not likely. Here in Florida, it is extremely difficult to find groups/people to take tortoises because we have so many displaced ones. The zoos have all of the tortoises they want or need. I suspect that most people do not contact anyone "official" for fear of legal ramifications. It is not a good situation, no matter what we do, so I just try to make the best decision based on the available information and pass on the advice. Feel free to write back if you wish. |
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| Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2003 From: Pam Subject: [keep a] gopher turtles hello !!Well my father just found a really little gopher turtle , and he says it can't be more than one year old !!!But my original question is what do we feed him if we even keep him/her??? |
Sorry. You have to let the tortoise go where you found it. Gopher tortoises are legally protected by the State of Florida and you will be breaking the law if you keep it. Please tell your father to do the right thing and take it back where he found it, put it out of harm's way, and release it. Besides, if you keep it, it will never have any baby tortoises of its own, and we need all of the tortoises out there in the wild that we can get. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 29 Oct 2003 From: lissa Subject: [release anywhere?] Hi, Can a gopher turtle be realesed anywhere and still be OK. Thank you for your answer. |
The best place to release a tortoise is where it came from. If you have one, and that is not possible, please contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or your regional office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Releasing a tortoise in an inappropriate place can lead to road mortality, genetic problems, and disease problems. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2003 From: Hollywiild Animal Park Subject: Who do we call? [South Carolina] Someone dropped off a gopher tortoise at our animal park in northern SC. That is a little far north for gopher tortoises, isn't it. We can call a local wildlife rehabilitator, but want to be sure she is with someone who knows how to take care of her and where she will be with other gopher tortoises. We are in Spartanburg County. Who is the closest person or organization we should contact? |
Belinda, You are right about being too far north. It may be that the tortoise did not even come from South Carolina at all. I would contact the SC DNR (contact info below), explain the situation, and see what they suggest. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries P.O. Box 167 Rembert C. Dennis Building Columbia, SC 29202 803-734-3886 |
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| Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2003 From: Kim Subject: baby gopher My daughters teacher sent home a baby turtle to release because they thought it was getting sick, by looking at it I think it is a baby gopher and I don't want to just release it anywhere. Do you know where I should take it. I live in Palm Harbor, FL. Her husband found it while hunting and brought it home. |
Hi, Thanks so much for trying to do the right thing. The best option is to find a wildlife rehabilitator in your area that can positively i.d. the turtle, treat it if it is sick, and then either keep it or return it to the hunter to let it go where he got it (my preference, if it is possible). You could call your regional office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (contact info below) and ask them for the name of a wildlife rehabber, or look in the phone book.
Southwest Region |
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| Date: Sat, 18 Oct 2003 From: Deborah Subject: ? gopher tortoise? Have attempted to identify a turtle that has been seen a few times on our property. But cannot find photos of the underside and that was the most distinguishable markings I remember. The upper shell was more flat than a high dome. Brown in coloring but the middle of the top shell was not plate-like it was a muddled shape. The shell underneath did not appear to fit up tight against the upper and so I am assuming he/she was a land turtle. The bottom shell had white spots that cirlced the perimeter of the bottom shell. The description is just a shot in the dark. I regret not taking a picture of him/her. But would like to know more about it. We live in the Gulf Coast region of Alabama. A suggestion of a website that offers pictures would be great. Thanks in advance. Deb |
Dear Deb, I am sorry, but that description does not sound like anything that I recognize. My suggestion is that you get a field guide to turtles and tortoises in your area and look at pictures. You can find field guides at the library or most bookstores. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2003 From: Lisa Subject: [baby] gopher tortiose I found your website via a web search. We live in Brooksville, FL and have just adopted a stray puppy that keeps bringing me baby gopher turtles. Unfortunatley they arent making it, but today we have finally saved one. She is beautiful! But Im not sure what to do with her, i am hoping you could help. Our puppy has damaged her bottom shell a bit and there is a hole in the middle, im not sure if its a puncture from my puppy or if its her "private part" I dont know a thing about turtles butI would like to help this animal. My kids are ages 4 and 3, I want to pass on the "caring and letting go" part of all of this. I thank you in advance for any help. Lisa |
Dear Lisa, The first thing you need to do is get your puppy under control (i.e., fenced in or on a leash). Gopher tortoises are legally protected by the State of Florida, and you are responsible for what your dog does. It is also illegal for you to keep the tortoise. If the tortoise is a new hatchling, there may be a very small mark on the bottom shell. However, if there is an open hole, it is probably a puncture wound. You need to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or vet that has reptile experience and take the tortoise to them. Because they are cold-blooded, tortoises take a long-time to develop infections, and once the signs are obvious, it is too late. It is very good that you want to teach your kids respect and caring for wild creatures. We need that. Please get the tortoise to a proper care facility (if you need help finding one, email me back) and teach your kids responsible pet ownership. |
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| Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2003 From: Mcart Subject: [Prickly Pear] Do Gopher Tortoise live in Prickly Pear Cactus? |
Gopher tortoises often live in habitats that have prickly pear cactus. They eat the flowers, fruit, and even the spiny cactus pads. Amazing! | ||||||||
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Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2003 From: Tofarco Subject:[what vegetables and fruits] I would like to know what vegetables and fruits tortoise eat as well as if they must drink water?? |
Hi. The nature of your question makes me think you might be keeping a tortoise captive. If this is true, and it is a gopher tortoise, you need to take it back where you got it and let it go. Gopher tortoises are legally protected by the State of Florida and you cannot keep them for pets. Gopher tortoises are vegetarians and eat a wide variety of herbs, grasses, fruits, and seeds. Research has shown that they not only eat different things during different seasons, but they also change their diet during the day. It is easy to keep a tortoise alive, but it is not easy to keep one healthy and happy. They get the water they need from their food. |
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| Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2003 From: Jonshel Subject: Help [Turtle Killing] I have just wittnessed a turtle killing! They may live, but the person came at night and tried to cover up 6 holes below my property in longwood florida. I have lived with and loved these old guys for 8 years. A guy from over seas bought the land below and came in and tried to bury my 6 gopher torts. I have named them and feed them. It was like he killed a cat or two. What can I do??? |
If possible to do without breaking any laws, go to the site and get some pictures of the holes (covered or not). Call your regional office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (contact information below) and tell them what you know. Call the Law Enforcement number. Give them the exact address of the site and they should send someone out to investigate. Can the burrows be seen from your property? The law enforcement officer may not be able to go onto the piece of property without the owner's permission. Just call and see what they say. If you do not get a satisfactory response, please write me back. If it makes you feel better, unless the burrows were totally crushed and the tortoises crushed inside them, adult tortoises will probably be able to dig their way out. However, young tortoises and other animals that do not dig as well may be buried. What that person did is totally illegal and they must know it if they are sneaking out to do it at night. Be careful (i.e., don't get in trespassing trouble yourself), but try to do something. I will help you if I can.
Northeast Region |
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| Date: Mon, 06 Oct 200 From: Reena Subject: Can they fly? Hello my name is Reena and I curently have a russian? tortoise and am living in CT. I was wondering how I could get him to texas? I'm moving in march and I'm not sure if they can be on a plane or not b/c of the altitude. |
Dear Reena, This is definitely a new question for me! My suggestion is that you call the airline you will be using and ask them. You should be able to carry the tortoise in the passenger part of the plane, just like people carry their dogs and cats. However, I do not know how large your tortoise is, because the cage or box would have to fit under your seat. If that won't work, ask the airline what they suggest. I would not fly the tortoise in the cargo hold, mostly because of the cold temperature. How are your household/personal things getting to Texas? Please write me back and let me know what you find out, or if you still need help. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2003 From: Mike Subject: [Enjoying] Gopher Tortoises
Once we started staying here full time, we noticed several active Tortoise Burrows. To glean more information on these wonderful critters, we went to the internet and found your web page among many. Going through the Q&A pages, we found a wealth of information. We currently have 12 Active Burrows spread around and have sexed each tortoise as we came across them. They all have their own schedules and appear out of their burrows around the same time everyday, as though they had time pieces. We are building a house (away from any Burrows) which has a full basement (an oddity here in Florida). After construction began we had several large mounds of dirt/sand from the excavation. Much to our surprise, a Gopher Tortoise built a burrow next to one of the mounds. When they started the backfill of the basement walls, we pointed out the burrow to the workers. They put rebar and boards to one side of the burrow so they would not disturb it. All the other construction workers go out of their way to avoid disturbing the burrow and the Tortoise, undisturbed by the construction, comes out to eat on a daily basis. The other day, one of the construction workers knocked on our trailer where we are staying while the house is being built, and excitedly exclaimed that we had baby turtles. We went out to investigate and sure enough, 4 baby Tortoise had hatched at the mouth of the burrow and were wandering into the construction site. It was late in the day, so we grabbed up the babies and kept the safe overnight, then released them into an overgrown Hammock area away from the construction site the next morning. I have included their photo so you can see them. It is our way of thanking you for the information you provide on your Web Site. A note on the mother. All our other Tortoise have shiny brown shells, but hers is quite white and pitted, as if she is quite old. Also, someone at some point in her life had drilled a hole in the rear right portion of her shell (not touching flesh) as though she was a 'pet' and the hole was to attach a chain.
Again, thank you for providing information on these guys. They are a joy to observed. Dear Mike, Thank you so much. It is great to hear such a wonderful story, especially when it is obvious that you care and appreciate your good fortune. I wish that some of these folks who complain about having tortoises in "their" yards could magically absorb your attitude. Would you mind if I used your photos in some of my educational presentations? The one with the tape measure is particularly useful to show size, and it is so cute. Let me know, because I would not do it without your permission. I can put your name down on the corner as well. Thanks again. You made my day! |
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| Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2003 From: SHIRLEY Subject: eating hello, just want to find out what gopher tor. eat if kept in captivity. |
Hi. The first thing I have to tell you is that gopher tortoises are protected by the State of Florida (and the other states or federal government in their range) and it is illegal to keep them as pets. If you
have a tortoise that you are keeping, please take it back to where you got it and release it. If that is not possible, contact a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator and take it there, or to the local office of your state wildlife agency. Gopher tortoises are vegetarians and eat low-growing plants and herbs. Their diet requirements are complicated; they not only eat different plants during different seasons, but eat different plants during different times of the day. It is not hard to keep a gopher tortoise alive in captivity, but it is difficult to keep it happy and healthy. |
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| Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2003 From: Ashley Subject: [danger from cars] Hi--I found a gopher tortoise in my yard. What should I do with it? He risks being run over by cars in the cul de sac. Ashley |
Dear Ashley, Gopher tortoises are protected by the State of Florida, so it is illegal for you to move it (or do a number of other things, like keep it). I suggest that you move it out of immediate danger (i.e., off the side of the road), wish it luck, and let it go. I know this is a very hard thing to do, but moving it a long distance is worse for that tortoise and the tortoises that may already live where you take it. A cul-de-sac is not as bad as a regular road (usually less traffic). Try telling your neighbors that the tortoise is around so they will be careful driving and keep their dogs on leashes. Thank you for being concerned. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 From: rbmart Subject: Repellant I have a Gopher Tortoise problem in my garden. The tortoises enjoy to eat the flowers of my plants and squish many others too. Also, it leaves its droppings in my yard and I have kids. I was wondering if you knew of any natural or homemade tortoise repellant? Thank you for taking you time to help me. - Ms. Martin |
Dear Ms. Martin, Gopher tortoises are protected by the State of Florida, so it is illegal to do anything that interferes with their natural behavior in any way. You might try planting taller vegetation that they cannot reach. Regarding the droppings, because they are vegetation and are not dangerous; they are much less offensive that dog droppings or horse manure. Your children will be fine. Actually, you and your children are lucky to have the opportunity to enjoy a very special part of nature in your own yard. My suggestion is that you use it as a teaching tool that they will appreciate forever. | ||||||||
| Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 From: Nancy Subject: Burrow question [stability] How stable is the ground above a burrow? If it extends 15 or more feet in length, might the burrow be damaged if something heavy such as a garden tractor, vehicle, or horse/wagon crosses over its location? Your website is very interesting. Thanks. Nan |
Dear Nan, Thank you for the nice comments about the website. It is a group effort and our webmaster is a jewel. The stability of the ground above a burrow will vary with the habitat type, soil type, and amount of moisture in the ground at any given time. Near the mouth of the burrow is less stable and should be avoided, but as the burrow gets longer and deeper, there is more ground above to protect it. Even if a burrow gets collapsed (and the tortoise does not get crunched at the same time), an adult tortoise can dig out. However, very young tortoises and other animals using the burrow that don't dig well would likely get trapped. So, I think the short answer to your question is: try to protect the ground at the top of the burrow for 2-3 feet, but after that, most home gardening equipment, light wagons, etc., should not be a problem. Army tanks are another issue!! |
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| Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 From: tookeg Subject: GOPHER HOLE [Rattlesnakes] Something that you may wish to mention about Gophers and their holes, Rattlesnakes call them home also! We have two or three on our property at any given time, and as a native of Florida I have seen some sizable snakes sunning on the sand around the holes. right now we have two that have holes within 40 feet of the house and they make great neighbors. Very quiet, they like our grass, and gopher droppings do not smell! They are fun to watch and are a part of my heritage. Greg |
Dear Greg, Thanks for the great note. I like hearing from folks that appreciate how lucky we are to have tortoises and all of the other wildlife and habitats that make this place so special. Whenever I do presentations, tours, talks, etc., I usually caution people not to stick body parts into holes where they can't see. You are right that it is worth mentioning via the website and in emails as well. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2003 From: JEANNE Subject: Hi [Can we help?] The property next door to me is being developed and there are at last count 103 gopher tortoise burrows on ten acres. It will be a dense subdivision and more than likely the developer will just pay the mitigation fee. We own a 40 acre tract of undeveloped property in Putnam County we live in Duval. Assuming we chose to move them with the proper permits and testing (assume just ten tortoises--we can do the math) what would be a rough estimate of the cost. My understanding it will cost the developer about $18,000 to mitigate and just plow them under. If we could make the move with the proper permits and testing we would give it a shot to move them ourselves with the aid of a person certified to do so. Thanks, Dan |
Dear Dan, You are my hero! Unfortunately, I will have to send you elsewhere for the answers you need. Call your regional office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
North Central Region Ask to speak to the tortoise biologist. Be persistant, because they are always swamped and may not get back to you in a timely manner. If you don't have luck getting a response, contact the director. Have you considered approaching the developer? If you can get a permit to move the tortoises to your property, the developer may decide that is a better option, especially from a public relations viewpoint. My last suggestion is that you contact Ray Ashton with the Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative. He has lots of experience with situations such as yours and may be able to help with advice or more. His email is tortfarm2@aol.com. You can tell him I sent you. Keep me posted. |
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| Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2003 From: Christy Subject: is it a gopher tortoise? Recently my husband and I were driving on a very busy interstate in Orlando and found a small tortoise struggling to cross to the median and had to rescue it. I am uncertain about the type of tortoise it may be. After extensive research on the net, it seems that it may be a sulcata, however, some of the photos of the gopher tortoises resemble this little guy. I am certain it is a juvenile, and it was fairly injured from the cars, however, after several days of care it is finally eating and soaking in the very shallow water feature we have in our back yard. I have been carefully scanning the news papers to see if anybody has lost their pet tortoise, but still have not come across anything. We had considered keeping the tortoise, but after reading your website, I am concerned about the possibility of having a gopher tortoise instead of an African tortoise, and am learning about the laws and regulations. Is there any distinguishing characteristics that may help with identification? Should I take him to a neighborhood herpetologist to find this out? Please let me know, so that we may do what's best for this sweet little creature. Thank you for your time. |
Christy, Your best chance of i.d.ing the tortoise correctly is to have someone that knows do it for you. Do you know a reliable herpetologist or someone that belongs to a herp society? If you do not, let me know what city you live in and I will try to get a contact for you. Also, if the tortoise is injured, you should try to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or vet familiar with reptiles to care for it. Because they are cold-blooded, tortoises take a long time to manifest symptoms from infections. By the time you realized what was going on, it would probably be too late. Keep me posted. |
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| Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 From: Sdenue Subject:[tails] do they have tails |
Yes, small ones. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2003 From: Jim Subject: [HIV] I have heard that there have been cases of gopher tortoises eating medical wastes in Florida and testing positive for HIV. Is there any truth in gopher tortoises being HIV positive? |
I have never heard such a thing, and seriously doubt it. Tortoises are vegetarians and would not be attracted to medical waste as a food source. They are cold-blooded and their physiology is radically different from the warm-blooded animals (us) that are affected by HIV. So, I feel pretty safe to say that was a crazy story! | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 From: Alan and Steph Subject: ? sick tortoise Hi, My husband and I live on the St. Marys River on the FL/GA state line. Today I found a Gopher Tortoise at the back of our property. I first saw him at about 4:30 this afternoon and it is now 10:00pm he has not moved at all. Whenever I have seen other Gophers they are usually on the move. I am worried that he may be sick and was wondering if there is anything we can do to help him or if it is just best to leave him alone. He is an older turtle probably about 10"-12" around. He does go in his shell if you get too close but does not go in all the way and he does not even attempt to move away. We appreciate any advice you can give us and hope to hear from you very soon. |
The behavior you describe is not normal, and the tortoise may very well be sick or dying. If you have not already done so, please try to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area and take it there. If you can not find one, contact the Georgia DNR or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (depending on which side of the line you are on) and ask where you should take the tortoise. Best of luck and thanks for caring. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 08 Sep 2003 From: Charlene Subject: confused! [Arizona] I sent an email on the adult size and whether gopher tortises were good back yard pets, then I scrolled through the questions and answers. . . I live in Chandler, Arizon, while sweeping a pile of pine needles and other leave, that had been setting on my portch for a couple of weeks, I flipped this turtle, who was barried underneath, on it's back. My daughter's father-in-law has two tortises, so I called them to find out information on it. I learned it was a gopher tortise. You say they are found in Florida? There's a lot of miles between there and here! It meets the description and yet I now feel like I know nothing about him. Can you help me?? |
Dear Norma, You are in the range for the desert tortoise, which is similar to the gopher tortoise. Look up on the web for information. Be aware that desert tortoises are legally protected and you may want to call your local wildlife official if the tortoise is not in a safe place where it can live. Good luck! |
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| Date: Mon, 08 Sep 2003 From: Charlene Subject: Adult size How large do gopher tortises get and do they make good back yard pets? |
Adult gopher tortoises can be up to 15 inches long across their top shell (carapace). If a tortoise is living in your back yard of its own accord, that is great. However, they are protected by the State of Florida, and it is illegal to keep one as a pet. It must be free to come and go as it pleases. More questions? Write me back. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 08 Sep 2003 From: Ashaye Subject: Important [eat & drink] What Do Gopher Turtlse eat and How do they get water? |
They are vegetarians and get the water they need from their food. | ||||||||
| Date: Thu, 04 Sep 2003 From: John Subject:[pet] hi I love tortoises and i want to know do gopher tortoises make good pet. if so where could I get one or two I live in Orlando FL. |
Hi, Gopher tortoises are protected by the State of Florida as a Species of Special Concern. It is illegal to harm, harass, feed, or keep gopher tortoises as pets. Besides that, they are not terribly difficult to keep alive, but not easy to keep healthy. If you are looking for a pet, do your homework and find one that you can take good care of and that has been born in captivity. It is not good to take any animal out of the wild. Feel free to write me back for more information. | ||||||||
| Date: Mon, 01 Sep 2003 From: Ronald Subject: gopher tortoise how can you tell the age of a gopher tortoise? |
Hi, It is tough to accurately age a gopher tortoise. When they are born, they are about 1 1/2 inches long, soft-shelled, and orange to brown. As they get older, their shell get progressively harder, and is totally hard at about five years old. They reach adult size somewhere around 10 years old, but that is dependent on where they are from, the habitat they are living in, and probably several other factors. When we are classifying the age of tortoises, we usually say hatchling, juvenile, sub-adult, and adult. | ||||||||
| Date: Sun, 31 Aug 2003 From: Keltonmiller21 Subject: what do gophers eat? Hey, I'm doing a report on gophers. What do they eat? Do they only eat grass and drink water? Thanks, Kelton |
Dear Kelton, Gopher tortoises are vegetarians and eat low-growing herbs and grasses. They will occasionally eat small limestone rocks or bones, probably to get calcium. They don't typically drink water, and get what they need from the foods they eat. Read the tortoise page on the Enchanted Forest website, and go to the Gopher Tortoise Council website for more information. |
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| Date: Sat, 30 Aug 2003 From: MARIE Subject: help i found a baby gopher turtle and what does it eat? will it live as a pet? |
Hi. The first thing I have to tell you is that keeping a gopher tortoise as
a pet, or having in your possession at all, is illegal. Gopher tortoises
are protected by the State of Florida and other states and federal
government, depending on where you are located. My suggestion is that you
take the baby back to where you found it and release it out of harm's way. Besides the legalities, it is very difficult to keep a baby tortoise healthy in captivity. Their dietary requirements are not well known. Please, please, please, do the right thing and turn it loose. If for some reason, you can not do that, write me back and I will help you figure out what to do. |
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| Date: Sat, 30 Aug 2003 From: Kevan Subject: hello i have 2 tortoises Hi i live in adelaide south australia and my question is how do i no the difference between a boy and girl tortoise and at what age do short necked tortoises breed |
Hi. Because of our language differences, I am not sure what kind of turtle that you have. There is a long-necked tortoise, and there is a short-necked turtle. At any rate, I do not know very much about either of them, but found some web sites: www.tortoise.org/archives/albertis.html www.smuggled.com/chelon1.htm www.ceciliadartthornton.com/page_2.html www.ontarioherpers.org/otts/caresheets/subglobosa.html These are just a few of the many that are out there. Good luck! |
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| Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2003 From: Jedwardsplas Subject: tortoise how do you tell the male from the female tortoise and how do we find out what species it is. jan |
I suggest you look in a field guide to reptiles or specifically turtles (library or bookstore) or look on the web for pictures. Did you find the tortoise in the wild? If so, where are you located? Did you buy it from a store or individual? If you can't figure it out, contact a local reptile person (at a university, local herp club, vet, wildlife rehabilitator) and see if you can get some help. If you have a digital camera, send me some pictures and I will try to i.d. it. Be aware that some species are legally protected (e.g., the gopher tortoise) and if you picked one up in the wild, you should take it back and let it go. In many turtles, including gopher tortoises, you can look at the plastron (bottom shell). If it is very flat, it is a female. If it has a concavity toward the tail region, it is a male. In sea turtles, males have long tails. Other turtles may be different. |
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| Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2003 From: George Subject: How many are left? Why are gopher tortoises endangered? What is being done about that? How many are left? |
Hi, The primary reason gopher tortoise populations are declining is because
of habitat loss. Unfortunately, the places where tortoises like to live
(high and dry) are also the places that people want to put their houses,
schools, shopping malls, roads, etc., etc. When it comes to development vs.
tortoises, the tortoises usually lose. There are other things that hurt
individual tortoises and play a role in reducing populations. These include
Upper Respiratory Tract Disease, being killed by cars, illegal hunting, and
being kept (illegally) as pets. We do not have a good estimate for the
total population, and it would be a very tough number to get. I suggest that you go the the Gopher Tortoise Council website (gophertortoisecouncil.org). There is lots of good information that I think will help answer your questions. Feel free to write me back as well. |
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| Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 From: Malak Subject: baby water turtle I have a baby red eared slider (Timmy) the size of a half dollar. He hasn't eaten for a couple weeks. I usually feed him his favorite: meal worms, but he refuses to eat that along with other foods. Last week, I went to the vet due to his excessive sleeping and lack of eating. The vet provided me with eye drops (Gentamicin Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution), and he actually attempted to eat. However, he kept missing the food as if he couldn't see anymore. So, I stopped the eye drops. Ever since then, he never opened his eyes again. He even plays in his tank and roams in the sun (when I take him out) all with his eyes closed. Is he blind? If so, how did this happen? He was absolutely fine all the months before. |
Hi, I would give the drops another try. Timmy will never be able to eat if his eyes don't get better. Maybe you could soften the food and put it in his mouth for him. Also, try to find a vet that specializes in reptiles. Because they are cold-blooded, their physiology is very different than mammals. If your vet is used to treating dogs and cats, he/she may not know what is best for a turtle. | ||||||||
| Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 From: bsballen Subject: Safely Removing Gopher Tortoise from Lands not Slated for Development I am looking for the safest, least costly means of removing a gopher turtle from my private property that is "not slated for development". After reading your past answers to similar questions (see 08 Aug and 14 July 2003) it is clear to all who visitor your web page that you dodged the inquirer's concerns and resorted to spin. This in fact can be more harmful to the turtles since "self proclaimed experts" (see title) will not provide guidance and/or clarity. Next thing you know the owner covers the hole or worst because of the lack of interest you applied. As "the expert" do you have an answer to my question. Management guidelines apply to gopher tortoises on "lands slated for development" per Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Your answer or "lack of" will receive the widest possible dessimination. Thanks, B. Allen |
Dear Mr. Allen, The laws of the State of Florida are quite clear: it is illegal to harm, harass, feed, or kill (plus a few other things) a gopher tortoise or disturb tortoise burrows without a permit, regardless of what you intend or do not intend to do with your land. The management guidelines to which you refer are meant to help developers stay within the laws on lands that are being developed. Permits are issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. I apologize if my answers to some of the questions sound like "spin" to you. I often get similar questions that have the same answers and it is difficult to repeat without sounding monotonous or trite. I do not apologize for anything else. The Enchanted Forest website, including the tortoise page, is run completely by volunteers. Our objective is to provide the most useful information available. I try to answer people's questions and address their issues with fairness (and kindness), but primarily with the best interest of gopher tortoise conservation in mind. As far as being a "self-proclaimed expert", I have bachelor's and master's degrees in biology, and have been working with gopher tortoises since 1987. However, I am the first to admit when I don't know something. In those cases, I call on the dozens of other "experts" in the field to help. These include people from universities, state and federal agencies, and non-government agencies. When it comes to gopher tortoises, they are the best in the world. Disseminate that.
You are welcome to write me back if you have a question or issue, but if you are going to be unkind, then please don't bother. Actually, I would like to hear from you, because it is difficult to imagine why anyone would want to remove a gopher tortoise if they weren't trying to develop the property. |
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| Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2003 Subject: house pet I want a house pet (another one that is ) but mom and dad said we have to catch one. So since you seem to know a lot about turtles I thought you could tell me if and where box turtles are located in Whidbey Island and how to take care of them. Rachel |
Dear Rachel, You are teaching me things!! I had no idea where Whidbey Island is, and was quite surprised to find out it is in Washington. My news for you is that box turtles do not occur in Washington. Even though there are no box turtles, it is an incredible, beautiful state with lots of things to offer a girl that is interested in nature. Have fun! Getting a box turtle is not possible, but let me suggest one thing. Please, please, please do not take any animal out of the wild for a pet. You may have the best intentions of keeping it healthy and happy, but people can never do as well as the animals can do themselves. If the time came when you no longer wanted the animal as a pet, it would not be fair to let it go and make it take care of itself again. Also, taking an animal from the wild prevents it from ever reproducing, and we need all of the young animals out there we can get. If you really need another pet, get one from a reputable dealer and make sure it is captive born. As you probably know already, taking good care of pets is a big responsibility and goes beyond just getting the animal. |
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| Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2003 Subject: tortoise [for 13 year old] Hello this is CEDRIC, I have a question OK I'm getting a tortoise but I done now what kind to get I want one that I can let walk around the house some times please email me back telling me what kind of tortoise do you think a 13 year old boy should have. One more question can tortoise be in water can they swim. please email me back I need your advice. thank you a lot |
Dear Cedric, I suggest that you do lots of homework learning about tortoises before you go get one. First, you need to get one from a reputable dealer or pet store so that you know your pet is legal. Lots of species of tortoises are protected and it is illegal to have them as pets. Tortoises are cold-blooded reptiles and their dietary and housing requirements can be complicated. You might be able to keep it alive, but you may not be equipped to keep it healthy and happy. Some tortoises can swim short distances, but they do not need, and should not be forced, to stay in deep water for very long. Sometimes they like to soak in a shallow dish, but should always have the option to get out to dry ground. They get the water they need for inside their bodies from their food. I can not say what kind of tortoise a 13-year-old boy should have. That mostly depends on the 13-year-old boy and his particular situation. Unless you are willing to learn about tortoises and take care of one very well (which is going to cost some money), you might consider another kind of pet that is less sensitive. |
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| Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2003 From: Frances Subject: What to do with a gopher found in the road I just found a rather large gopher turtle (I think) in the road at my house. I have put it in my back yard, but need to know what is the best thing to do for him/her. I don't have a problem with him staying in the yard as long as he likes, but I do have cats and if he burrows, I need to be able to find out if it is his den or to get out. My cats are confined to my yard and if he gives them a way out, I will have to seal it up. I live in a development, very close to a fairly major road. There is some open space around me, but there has been a lot of construction in the 10 years I have been here. This is the first time I have seen a gopher turtle, have seen lots of possum, an occasional raccoon, snake, etc., but these sightings are getting fewer and farther between. Should I leave the turtle to his own accord or contact a local agency to see if he should be relocated? Looking through your previous Q&A, I would guess he is an old guy as I would guestimate the weight to be at least 12 pounds, and at least 12 inches long. Thanks for any assistance you can give., Debbie |
Dear Debbie, Gopher tortoises are protected by the State of Florida, so it is illegal for you to pen it in your yard. The best thing to do is take it to some dry habitat near where you found it and let it go. If you have a place where there are burrows, that would be great. Otherwise, release him into the shade in the morning before it gets hot, or in the late afternoon, so he has time to find or start a burrow. Hopefully, he is familiar with the area and can find his way around without getting into trouble. In so many places, the tortoises are being chased around by development and there really is not a good ans | ||||||||
