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Gopher Tortoise
Gopherus polyphemus
31.5136, -82.7564
Field Notes
Description:
A large terrestrial tortoise native to the southeastern United States. The majority of tortoises are found from the fall line of Georgia to southern Florida as well as west to southern Alabama and Louisiana.
Habitat:
The tortoise makes large burrows in the ground by digging into sandy substrates with its front legs. Burrows can be over 2 m deep and extend well over 2.5 m in length, though many are smaller than these extremes. These burrows are used by over 250 species and are especially important during fires.
Notes:
Though the photos above show a person holding the tortoise in their hand, it is best to not disturb these tortoises, as handling can stress them out. They are also protected under various state laws and are expected to be listed by the EPA as threatened within the next few years. If they have to be touched (for instance, if they are blocking the road) it is advised that you wear a glove or some sort of protective layer on your hands, as all tortoise species can carry a number of diseases including Salmonella.
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