In this episode of Pet Tips, host Nanette Wiser talks about Living with Wildlife, as all pet owners are animal lovers! Gopher tortoises are long-lived reptiles that occupy upland habitat throughout Florida including forests, pastures, and yards. They dig deep burrows for shelter and forage on low-growing plants. Gopher tortoises share their burrows with more than 350 other species, and are therefore referred to as a keystone species. In Florida, the gopher tortoise is listed as Threatened. Both the tortoise and its burrow are protected under state law. Gopher tortoises must be relocated before any land clearing or development takes place, and property owners must obtain permits from the FWC before capturing and relocating tortoises. Here is everything you need to know when you have one in your yard or see one around the neighborhood. Plus what to do when you see a gopher tortoise.
Our diversity of turtles is something that truly makes Florida special. A lot of work goes into conserving these species. Because turtles can be found everywhere in the state, many actions are needed to make sure we have healthy populations. Here are some ways that you can help our heroes in a half shell all year long.
· Avoid disturbing marine turtle nests while visiting the beach. Learn more: bit.ly/SeaTurtleProgram_FWC
· Gopher tortoise sightings can be submitted to the FWC by our online gopher tortoise app: bit.ly/GopherTortoiseSighting
· Clean up fishing gear, which may accidentally hook or be ingested by turtles. Properly dispose of fishing line – learn more: bit.ly/RecyclingProgram_FWC
· Support prescribed fires, which benefit the gopher tortoise and the many species that use their burrows.
· Report sick freshwater turtles to the FWC: bit.ly/TurtleFraservirus1_FWC
· Report any wildlife violations, such as poaching, to our Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

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