PET TIPS Living with Wildlife - Gopher Tortoises

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.

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