The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) marked the 10th annual Gopher Tortoise Day on April 10, inviting residents to celebrate gopher tortoise conservation and learn more about the species. The FWC encouraged people to visit GopherTortoiseDayFL.com for information and participate by using #GopherTortoiseDay on social media.
Gopher tortoises are found throughout all of Florida’s 67 counties, often seen in neighborhoods, along roadsides, and in public parks. The day was first adopted in 2016 by the Gopher Tortoise Council to raise awareness and support for conservation efforts.
To support tortoise conservation beyond just one day a year, the FWC advised people to leave gopher tortoises undisturbed when spotted, make their yards more hospitable with appropriate plants, or safely help tortoises cross roads if needed—reminding everyone never to put them in water since they cannot swim like other turtles. Sightings or reports of sick or injured animals can be made directly to the FWC.
The FWC noted that gopher tortoises are a threatened species protected under state law. “It is illegal to harm a gopher tortoise, its eggs or burrow, relocate without a permit, or possess a tortoise, its eggs, or any parts of a tortoise,” according to the commission’s statement. Reports of wildlife violations can be made via the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
The commission has been influenced by figures such as Lovett Williams who contributed significantly to wildlife research according to its official history page. Research facilities like the Wildlife Research Laboratory in Gainesville provide specialized equipment for studies as described on its official history page, including an alligator egg incubator and holding pens previously used for brown pelican restocking as noted by FWC.
More than 40% of critical research projects at FWC are supported through external grants according to its official website. The agency also encourages public input in decision-making processes related to conservation among diverse communities according to its mission statement. The overall goal is “to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s fish and wildlife resources through research and technical expertise” as stated on its mission page.
Spring is an active time for native wildlife such as gopher tortoises. Residents can find more tips about living alongside these animals at MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise.
