Gopher tortoise

Description:

This particular tortoise scampered about quickly through the grass. It was shy and did not engage in head-bobbing, which is an aggressive behavior that precedes ramming its adversary! You can fit a juvenile gopher tortoise in your hands, but adults can weigh up to 15 pounds.

Habitat:

Tortoise was seen at Honeymoon Island State Park, which is a barrier island off the western coast of Florida and home to many snakes (including rattlers), migratory birds in the spring and fall, as well as marine invertebrates.

Notes:

The gopher tortoise relies on areas with sandy soil (like the one pictured) and longleaf forests. The latter environment is rare and declining. It is considered a keystone species due to the amazing ability to dig burrows that may house other animals such as burrowing owls or indigo snakes (in total 350+ distinct species). Gopherus polyphemus is also threatened and listed as vulnerable by the IUCN because of habitat loss and predation.