How To Get A Gopher Turtle Out Of Its Hole

What’s digging a hole in my yard? – Gopher turtles and what you need to know If you’ve ever come across one of their signature burrows (perhaps, unfortunately, even in your yard), you’re probably familiar with the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) . The Gopher tortoise is the only tortoise found in the Southeastern United States and is easily distinguished from the box turtle (the only other tortoise in the region). They are a medium-sized tortoise, averaging 9-15 inches in length, and characterized by their stocky, stocky legs that they use to dig wide burrows (average 15 feet long and 6 feet deep). ,5 feet) in scrub, sand dunes, and other upland habitats throughout the southeast. What you may not know, however, is that gopher tortoises are important ecosystem engineers – their burrows provide habitat for hundreds of other species such as indigo snakes, frogs, pine snakes, rattlesnakes and owls burrow. Therefore, the gopher tortoise is considered a key and protected species. It is currently state threatened in Florida and federally threatened in Alabama west of the Mobile and Tombigbee rivers and in Mississippi and Louisiana. , prohibits taking, harassing, or harassing tortoises and their nests unless authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This means you can’t disturb the cave or any land within 25 feet of the cave (even if it’s in your yard!). Of course, there are exceptions for agriculture, silviculture and wildlife habitat improvement activities. Most typical lawn maintenance activities also do not require a permit as long as they do not harm the burrow or turtle. However, if clearing for development occurs within 25 feet of an active cave, an Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent must conduct a formal survey of your cave and you must apply Relocation Permit – 10 or Less Permit or Conservation Permit (for more than 10 caves). Once the FWC approves the permit, the authorized dealer can then burrow and relocate the turtle to a suitable onsite habitat that will be undisturbed (if applicable) or to an external gopher turtle receiving location. outside. Gopher turtles out of the hole They need large areas of undeveloped land with sandy loam, plenty of terrestrial forage, and sparse canopy. Their proximity to human development reduces the habitat available for burrowing and limits their ability to forage. Edge impacts along the edge of human wasteland lead to thick patches of unfavorable vegetation and increased exposure to predators associated with human activity, such as raccoons (which will eat). gopher tortoise eggs) and even your pet cat or dog (which can eat the pups). Being close to development also means being close to the roads – Vehicle deaths are the number one cause of death for adult gopher turtlesRead more: How to disinfect wood for reptiles The disruption of natural combustion by growth in most gopher turtle habitats is also a dilemma. Fire is important because it thins the canopy of trees and dense vegetation and facilitates herbaceous vegetation that provides food for gopher tortoises. Regulated burning (or mowing and thinning in places that are too risky) can substitute for natural burning, but many natural areas around the development remain untouched and overgrown with trees. theater. In addition to reducing habitat for gopher tortoises, the formation of this dense vegetation also increases the risk of dangerous crown fires.So how can you help?If you are a homeowner and have gopher turtles in and/or around your property:

Leave alone! If you have any of the proposed developments within 25 feet of the burrow, contact your local extension office or the FWC gopher turtle conservation biologist in your area for guidance on how to do this. things to do.
HOA rules allow, you can landscape for gopher turtles. Grow native plants that provide food for gopher turtles. They like a wide variety of plants such as prickly pear, apple cider, wild grapes, blackberries, blueberries, and broadleaf grasses. This gopher turtle-friendly tree guide has more information.
Avoid mowing, driving, or other activities that may cause disturbance directly around the cave. You can trim the grass or weeds around the cave with a lawn mower.
Do not leave pets unattended near the burrow.

If you are a landowner with suitable gopher turtle habitat on your property:

Practice good habitat management for gopher turtles. Regular burning and thinning of trees can help provide the aerated habitat that gopher turtles need. See FWC’s landlord guide here.
You may be eligible to serve as a gopher turtle receiving site for turtles that must be relocated. There is a financial incentive to receive turtles. More information here.
Interested in conserving gopher turtle habitat? USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial assistance. For more information, see the NRCS gopher turtle website or contact your local USDA Service Center or county Extension office. FWC’s Landlord Assistance Program may also provide cost-sharing opportunities.

Read more: How to dress like a manIf you see a gopher tortoise going out and about:

Watch out for gopher turtles while driving and watch for speed limits, especially if you see a wildlife sign crossing.
If you see a gopher tortoise on the road, pick it up and move out of the way in the direction the turtle is moving. DO NOT take it with you or move it elsewhere.
Use the Gopher Tortoise Smartphone App to report any gopher turtles you encounter.
If you suspect someone has destroyed or illegally harmed a gopher turtle or its burrow, report it to the FWC’s toll-free Wildlife Alert hotline at 1-888-404-3922 or text Message [email protected].
If you find a sick or injured turtle, call 1-850-921-1030 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After hours, you can report to the toll-free FWC Wildlife Alert hotline or text [email protected].
If you spot a dead turtle, report it here. Do not take any remains.