Gopher tortoises at risk

Gopher tortoises at risk


Good Samaritans often provide an invaluable service to injured and lost wildlife. But when good intentions go awry, results can be tragic.

Although many turtles spend their lives, or a portion of them, in water, gopher tortoises cannot swim and will drown when placed in water over their heads. But because they sometimes burrow in sand dunes, some folks confuse these tortoises with beached sea turtles. Deaths ensue when well-meaning individuals place gopher tortoises, especially young ones, in the sea with the intention of returning them to their home.

Look at the legs to keep from making a fatal mistake. Gopher tortoises have land legs with clawed toes on each foot — in contrast to the long flippers of sea turtles, which include just a couple of front claws. If in doubt, contact a wildlife official to help set things straight.

Related Episodes