Wildlife
The Gopher Tortoise — Florida's Most Important Animal That Almost Nobody Notices, and the 350 Species That Live in Its Burrow
The gopher tortoise digs a 30-40 ft burrow, ~10 ft deep, that 350+ other species share — indigo snakes, gopher frogs, Florida mice, rattlesnakes, beetles. Listed Threatened in Florida. Touch one and you commit a state violation. Where to see them, the law, and why this is Florida's most important animal.