1.5K views · 12 reactions | Creature of the day: The Gopher Tortoise...

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

Happy Gopher Tortoise Day! Let’s get to know our Gopher Tortoise, Digger! Gopher tortoises have flattened feet and powerful claws to dig deep burrows that provide safety from predators and harsh weather. Many animals seek out safety, nesting, or shelter in burrows created by gopher tortoises; over 350 species have been documented to do so. Digger came to the River Museum after he was previously a pet for 35 years. Gopher tortoises have been known to live to 60 years of age in the wild, though ma

4.2K views · 150 reactions | Join us for a Day in the Life of a Gopher Tortoise for Florida Gopher Tortoise Day! Gopher tortoises are a keystone species whose burrows provide important habitats for over 350 commensal species like indigo snakes, burrowing owls, etc. This is why protecting gopher tortoises & their habitat is so essential. | Defenders of Wildlife | Facebook

Hard at work providing habitat support for hundreds of other species! No wonder the GOPHER TORTOISE gets its own day! 🐢🎈 IT'S GOPHER TORTOISE DAY!! 🐢🎈 A day to celebrate and recognize this unique keystone species and its Alabama habitats. Click here to learn more about the GOPHER TORTOISE: https://www.outdooralabama.com/turtles/gopher-tortoise | Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division