Creature of the day: The Gopher Tortoise 🐢🐢 The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae. The species is native to the southeastern United States. The gopher tortoise is seen as a keystone species because it digs burrows that provide shelter for at least 360 other animal species. G. polyphemus is threatened by predation and habitat destruction. Gopher tortoises are herbivore scavengers and opportunistic grazers. Thus, their diets contains over 3

Happy Gopher Tortoise Day! Let’s get to know our Gopher Tortoise, Digger! Gopher tortoises have flattened feet and powerful claws to dig deep burrows that provide safety from predators and harsh weather. Many animals seek out safety, nesting, or shelter in burrows created by gopher tortoises; over 350 species have been documented to do so. Digger came to the River Museum after he was previously a pet for 35 years. Gopher tortoises have been known to live to 60 years of age in the wild, though ma

How much do you know about the threatened gopher tortoise? A helpful video from the FWC includes more information on this keystone species and offers ways the public can get involved in conservation efforts. Citizens are also encouraged to download our free Florida Gopher Tortoise smartphone application. With the app, you can record the location of gopher tortoises you may see in your yard, neighborhood or crossing the road. Users can test their tortoise knowledge by taking a quiz, and sighting