Skip to main content
Today is World Environment Day!
Close

Gopher tortoise

Gopherus polyphemus

Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

27.0998, -82.4543

Field Notes

Description:

Rather non-descript except for the yellow dashes around the back of his shell. There is some pattern on the back. He marched through my yard like he owned the community.

Habitat:

I am inclined to think he is a land turtle instead of a pond turtle, but am not sure.

Notes:

I have added a new picture of a Gopher home. You should notice that the doorway is generally wider than higher for it must fit the turtle's shape

Species ID Suggestions

Eastern Box Turtle

Terrapene carolina bauri

Reference Link
ShannonFox
1

Comments (9)
alicelongmartin
I have added a new picture on my first picture of a Gopher Tortoise to show what the entrance to their home looks like.
NeilDazet
In the new issue of National Geographic (May 2011, with Yosemite on the cover), there is a Canon ad (page 2 by Table of Contents) that is part of their "Wildlife as Canon Sees It" series of advertisements. The featured organism this month is the Gopher Tortoise, with an outstanding photo by Joel Sartore.
NeilDazet
Very nice spotting! I'd love to photo a gopher tortoise someday.
Viz Tech
I see these guys quite a bit here where I live...very cool animals.
CynthiaMHori
great sighting! But you have it listed as an amphibian - thought you might want to change it
MitchRay
No problemo. The Scientific name is Gopherus polyphemus by the way. Those guys are very high on my wishlist o' critters to see in the wild
ShannonFox
Thanks for the clarification Mitch - he did seem to be lacking in the yellow shell highlights that box turtles have.
MitchRay
That is not a box turtle, that is a Gopher tortoise. You have an amazing sighting of a rare critter there!
Photographed
PublishedApril 12, 2011

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies