Florida Gopher Tortoise

Baby Gopher Tortoise

Baby Gopher Tortoise Has a Pretty Shell

Adult Gopher Tortoise

Wildlife Sign: Gopher Tortoise Burrow

Gopher Tortoises are a threatened species in Florida.  In general, adult tortoises reach up to 12 inches long, and weigh about 10 pounds.  Gopher tortoises live a long time, and are often seen sunning themselves at the entrance to their sandy burrows.  The average length of an underground burrow is 15 feet, but one record burrow was 47 feet long!   Over 350 species share the burrow with the tortoise, so it can get a little crowded in there sometimes.  When it rains, gopher tortoises use their feet to puddle water for a drink.