Gopher Tortoise Day: 9 ways to help protect the threatened species

ORLANDO, Fla. — Monday is Gopher Tortoise Day. To celebrate, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials are encouraging Floridians...

April 15, 2023
5:58 AM

ORLANDO, Fla. — Monday is Gopher Tortoise Day. To celebrate, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials are encouraging Floridians to help with conservation efforts for the threatened species every day. FWC says residents can get involved with conservation of gopher tortoises in several ways: 1. If a tortoise appears healthy and is not in immediate danger, leaving the tortoise alone is usually the best option. 2. If you see a gopher tortoise crossing a road and it is safe for you to do so, you may pick it up and place it in a safe location along the roadside in the direction it was heading.

Sarah Wilson