The Swamp Sanctuary is No Home for Gopher Tortoises

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If solely gopher tortoises may learn. This poor tortoise, looking for its approach round in some very swampy habitat, was on the lookout for dry land when it encountered the entrance door of the Blair Customer Middle. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary shouldn’t be the place it belongs!

Why is it right here?

Over time, well-meaning people have introduced gopher tortoises to the Sanctuary, pondering this may very well be a secure place for them to reside. 

Regardless that the Sanctuary protects wildlife and a number of other totally different habitats, there’s not sufficient appropriate habitat right here for gopher tortoises to outlive.

Plus, they’re a state-listed Threatened species. It’s unlawful to maneuver them!

What do gopher tortoises want?

Gopher tortoises require open, sunny areas for basking and foraging. They depend on well-drained habitats with sandy soil the place their favourite crops can develop, like broadleaf grasses, blanket flower, and prickly pear cactus. However most significantly, they want well-drained soil through which to dig their burrows, the place they escape excessive temperatures, keep away from wildfires, and lay their eggs. With out the suitable soil, their burrows may collapse.

What ought to somebody do in the event that they see a gopher tortoise?

Transferring or dealing with gopher tortoises in Florida is illegitimate in most conditions. For those who discover a tortoise in an setting the place it will not usually be discovered, be aware the situation, take a photograph if potential, and name (850) 921-1030. 

Report sightings of gopher tortoises and burrows by means of the FWC gopher tortoise reporting webform.