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Project Noah Nature School
Gopherus polyphemus
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.
I am inclined to think he is a land turtle instead of a pond turtle, but am not sure.
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
I have added a new picture on my first picture of a Gopher Tortoise to show what the entrance to their home looks like.
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.
great sighting! But you have it listed as an amphibian - thought you might want to change it
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
Thanks for the clarification Mitch - he did seem to be lacking in the yellow shell highlights that box turtles have.
That is not a box turtle, that is a Gopher tortoise. You have an amazing sighting of a rare critter there!
Spotted on Apr 12, 2011
Submitted on Apr 12, 2011
