As this keystone species' name suggests, the gopher tortoise is an expert at living underground — like a gopher. Gopher tortoises have shovel-like front legs and strong, thick back legs to help them ...

On the horizon directly in front of her burrow, about two miles offshore, Egmont Key’s historic lighthouse towered over ...

Floridians are gearing up to celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day on April 10th, a statewide event dedicated to raising awareness about the vital role these reptiles play in the state's ecosystems. The ...

SO SPARKY AND OTHER GOPHER TORTOISES ARE WHAT WE CALL A KEYSTONE SPECIES ... GOPHER TORTOISES BUILD BURROWS, AND THOSE BURROWS CAN BE AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 15FT LONG. IT’S BEEN DOCUMENTED THAT ...

Gopher tortoises have shovel-like front legs and strong, thick back legs that help them dig deep, and intricate burrows, which more than 360 other species use. Gopher tortoise burrows are considered ...

“It’s insane.” The gopher tortoise population on Fort De Soto is now likely 10 times larger than before Helene, with more than 80 confirmed burrows across the park, Yu said. And more active ...