Page 14 - Southern Exposure - January '21

Page 14, Southern Exposure

northern noteS

Gopher Tortoises

By Katie Roundtree, Finance Director, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

Gopher tortoises are open sunny areas is the ideal location for gopher tortoises. Tortoise Authorized Agent. As such, he is allowed by the
one of five North American Gopher tortoises are herbivorous and feed on low growing FWC to survey, trap, transport and relocate tortoises as
tortoise species and is the plants. They may drink water pooled after rainstorms, but necessary.
only tortoise found naturally most of their water needs are supplied from the plants that It is illegal to kill, harass or destroy gopher tortoises;
east of the Mississippi River. they eat. however, if you see a tortoise crossing a busy road, FWC
It is a state-designated Locally, there are large populations of gopher tortoises grants permission to move the gopher tortoise across the
threatened species in Florida in preserves maintained by Northern within Abacoa and road, in the same direction as it was heading as long as it is
and is found in parts of all Botanica. Some of Abacoa’s preserves have trails within safe for you to do so. Do not move the tortoise to another
67 Florida counties. The them where you may catch a glimpse of a tortoise. Because location or put it in a car as this constitutes illegal possession.
gopher tortoise is about nine gopher tortoises are protected in Florida, handling and If you see a sick or injured tortoise, contact a local wildlife
to eleven inches long when relocation of gopher tortoises is an illegal activity unless rehabilitator, such as Busch Wildlife Sanctuary at (561)
fully grown and is a tan, conducted under a valid permit issued by Florida Fish 575-3399 for assistance. Source: myfwc.org
brown or gray color. Juveniles tend to be lighter brown and and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). An FWC NPDES Tip: Do not pile garbage, trash, leaves, limbs
yellow-orange in color. They are identifiable by their stumpy, relocation permit must be obtained before disturbing burrows or garden debris in swales – this adds pollutants which can
elephant-like hind feet and flattened, shovel-like forearms and conducting construction activities. One of Northern’s wash into downstream waters. Do not park vehicles in the
covered in thick scales. These shovel-like forearms are used staff members has taken courses and is certified as a Gopher swale – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks in.
to dig large burrows for homes.
As their name insinuates, gopher tortoises spend almost WE SERVICE
80 percent of their time in burrows. Burrows average about ALL Locally Owned & Operated
fifteen feet long and about six and a half feet deep. Gopher BRANDS! Expert Repairs, Sales, Duct Cleaning, Service & Installation
tortoises are ectotherms, meaning they depend on their Honest, Reliable Prompt Service
environment to maintain their body temperature. Their
burrows help to maintain a stable temperature and also
protect them from extreme temperatures and fire. Here in
south Florida, they are active all year round, where in colder Reg. $389.00
parts of Florida, they remain in their burrows during cold Up to 5 Ducts
winter months. Gopher tortoises are considered keystone SERVICE CALL WITH SUMMER DUCT U.V LIGHT WITH ANY
species because their burrows provide shelter and serve as ANY A/C REPAIR CLEANING SPECIAL NEW INSTALLATION
Includes FREE Sanitizing
($600 VALUE)
refuge for more than 350 other species such as burrowing CALL FOR SERVICE CALL FOR SERVICE CALL FOR SERVICE
owls, mice, indigo snakes, rabbits, opossums, foxes, gopher
frogs and invertebrates.
Not valid with any other discounts,
Not valid with any other discounts,
Not valid with any other discounts,
Because of their burrowing needs, they prefer well- We are a Proud American Standard Dealer. offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount
Expires 2/28/21
Expires 2/28/21
Expires 2/28/21
drained, sandy soils found in habitats such as longleaf pine per transaction. Expires: 12/31/21 per transaction. Expires: 12/31/21 per transaction. Expires: 12/31/21
sandhills, scrub, pine flatwoods, dry prairies and coastal SPINELLI AIR CONDITIONING SPINELLI AIR CONDITIONING SPINELLI AIR CONDITIONING
dunes. They are also found in urban areas, as many of their
natural habitats have been developed by humans. A habitat
with well-drained soil, abundant plants for foraging and
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