Florida: Shell-ebrate gopher tortoises all year-long!

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

Although April 10, 2024 was Gopher Tortoise Day, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission invites you to "shell-ebrate" gopher tortoises all year-long. Learn more about gopher tortoises at myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/gopher-tortoise.

Tips to help gopher tortoises all year long:
• If a tortoise appears healthy and is not in immediate danger, leaving the tortoise alone is the best option.
• If you see a gopher tortoise crossing a road and it is safe for you to do so, you may pick it up and place it in a safe location along the roadside in the direction it was heading. Never put tortoises in water, as gopher tortoises can’t swim like turtles can.
• Report sightings of gopher tortoises and their burrows or notify the FWC of a sick, injured or dead tortoise here: app.myfwc.com/HSC/GopherTortoise.
• Consider making your home and neighborhood gopher tortoise friendly by planting gopher tortoise friendly plants (visit myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/gopher-tortoise/help/plant-guide) or creating a Gopher Tortoise Friendly Yard (visit
myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/gopher-tortoise/yard-recognition).
• Learn more about living alongside tortoises at the FWC’s Gopher Tortoise Program Education Corner at myfwc.com/education/wildlife/gopher-tortoise and its Education Resources page at myfwc.com/education/wildlife/gopher-tortoise/education-resources.
You’ll find ideas for kids’ activities, such as fun gopher tortoise coloring pages, as well as fact sheets, posters and more.

Gopher tortoises are designated as a threatened species and protected in Florida. It is illegal to harm a gopher tortoise, its eggs or its burrow, to relocate without a permit, or to possess a tortoise, its eggs, or any parts of a tortoise. Report wildlife violations to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Gopher Tortoise Day was adopted in 2016 by the Gopher Tortoise Council to increase appreciation and conservation support of the species. The FWC and partners celebrate on April 10 each year.

Spring is an active time for gopher tortoises and many native wildlife species. Visit MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise to learn more about gopher tortoises.