Creature of the day: The Gopher Tortoise 🐢🐢 The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae. The species is native to the southeastern United States. The gopher tortoise is seen as a keystone species because it digs burrows that provide shelter for at least 360 other animal species. G. polyphemus is threatened by predation and habitat destruction. Gopher tortoises are herbivore scavengers and opportunistic grazers. Thus, their diets contains over 3

Running into the week like… On July 1, this Gopher Tortoise (23-2571) was admitted from Fort Myers after it was attacked by a dog. Upon initial exam, staff noted the tortoise had puncture wounds in its shell and was missing a piece of its carapace (upper shell). Staff flushed the Gopher Tortoise’s wounds, applied bandages, and offered supportive care including antibiotics and pain medication. The tortoise continues to recover, receiving bandage changes while staff continue to monitor its healing

95 reactions · 9 comments | CRONCH. 塞+= Video description: Gus the Gopher Tortoise enjoys some crisp lettuce. Sound on for good crunches. #MNH #Gus #GusMNH #SnackTime #GopherTortoise #Tortoises #Tortoise #Museums #Museum #NaturalHistory #MondayMood #Monday #MondayMotivation #Cronch #Lettuce #SoundOn | Museum of Natural History | Facebook

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