Park rangers say at least 84 gopher tortoises are now living at Fort de Soto Park near St. Petersburg. Prior to Hurricane ...

Gopher tortoises have shovel-like front legs and strong, thick back legs to help them dig intricate burrows, which they can enter and exit easily thanks to their low-profile shells. When these ...

But something stood out in the rubble: Where the sea and shore met, in the shallow waves, there was a tannish-brown gopher tortoise. And then another. And another. “That’s odd,” Harshbarger ...

Gopher tortoises play a crucial role in Florida’s ecosystem. Their shells help them evade predators and regulate body temperature — functions that were disrupted by the nail polish.

Floridians are gearing up to celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day on April 10th, a statewide event dedicated to raising awareness about the vital role these reptiles play in the state's ecosystems.