Florida celebrates its only native tortoise species annually on April 10

If you've visited a Hillsborough County conservation park or nature preserve, it's likely you came across a gopher tortoise. Though a common sight on conservation properties, these native reptiles are listed as threatened and are protected by state law.

Gopher tortoise burrows: How other animals "gopher" them

Gopher tortoises enjoy extra-special status as a keystone species because of their significant effect on the ecosystem and other animals. Gopher torts prefer open, dry habitat such as scrub and pine flatwoods, and they dig burrows that can be 40 feet long and up to 20 feet deep. While the gopher tortoise does all the work, more than 300 other species use the burrows for shelter and protection from predators, the hot sun, and even to escape from fires.

The Florida mouse digs off of the main burrow, giving itself a place to stay in little chambers and tunnels. Snakes, including the eastern indigo, Florida pine, and eastern diamondback, temporarily use gopher tortoise burrows as shelter from fire, refuge from cold weather, and as an escape from predators. These snakes also take the opportunity to use the burrow as a food source, where mice, gopher frogs, and even hatchling gopher tortoises are on the menu.

Other species may use the burrow as a long-term home but stay out of the way of the tortoise. Without gopher tortoises, many other reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and even birds would be left without these safe havens.

Where to see gopher tortoises in Hillsborough County

Gopher tortoises can be found in many of Hillsborough County's conservation parks and nature preserves.

Alderman's Ford Conservation Park, Bell Creek Nature Preserve, Camp Bayou Nature Preserve & Outdoor Learning Center, and Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve are a few of the parks known for gopher tortoises sightings.

Watch for tortoises in the warmest parts of the day, like the early afternoon. Be sure to learn from them and take it slow when driving through the parks.

In honor of Gopher Tortoise Day, which is celebrated every April 10, take a Gopher Tortoise Hike at Lithia Springs Conservation Park on April 13. Hikers will learn more about these fascinating turtles while Hillsborough County's expert rangers guide guests through tortoise terrain.

Gopher Tortoise Day - Guided Hike

When: Sunday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Lithia Springs Conservation Park
3932 Lithia Springs Rd.
Lithia, FL 33547

Things to know:

• There is a $5 event fee and a $2 park entry fee. Multiple forms of payment are accepted.
• Weather related cancellations are possible.
• Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (minimum age 10).
• Hike length: 3.2 miles
• Maximum number of participants: 20

For more information, visit Gopher Tortoise Hike.

To read stories about Hillsborough County conservation parks and preserves, subscribe to The Trailblazer newsletter.

Top Image Caption: Gopher tortoises are most active during the day when they can bask in the sun and forage for food.

Posted: 4/9/2025, 1:39:33 PM