Why Is This Gopher Tortoise Head-Banging?

We are caring for a young gopher tortoise with a squishy shell! The patient is the larger of the two hatchlings in the video. The tortoise (patient 25-4846) was brought to us after being found with injuries to its carapace. Upon examination, we determined that the tortoise's carapace and plastron (upper and lower shell) were softer than expected, suggesting a possible nutritional deficiency. We often admit hatchling tortoises that have been taken in by well-meaning individuals who mistakenly bel

Gopher Tortoise Up Close in Natural Habitat | Alex W

How We're Protecting Gopher Tortoises

Gopher tortoises do so much for our ecosystems, which is why we’re starting our biggest gopher tortoise habitat enhancement project yet! 🐢 💪 Gopher tortoises need open-canopy, sandy habitats with low grasses and vegetation. In Florida, these habitats are in decline, so we’re making a few of our own! Join us as we clear overgrown vegetation, plant native species, and restore habitat for gopher tortoises on our preserve lands this fall and winter by signing up to volunteer with us: https://sccf.