I was recently biking with my family, and happened upon a Gopher Tortoise, who was sunning himself (or herself, as the case may be) in the grass beside the path.The Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a rare species that is on the endangered list in every US state except FL, though it is on the species watch list in Florida. This species is at risk because of habitat loss.
Gopher Tortoises are herbivores; that means they eat plants only, like mushrooms, berries, and certain types of grasses. These tortoises also eat what is called a gopher apple.
Gopher Tortoises live in burrows that they dig in the ground. These animals are known for their amazing digging ability. When a tortoise is ready to lay her eggs (of which there are about 3-14), they are put in a mound near the opening of the burrow.
These are definitely amazing animals!
Sources: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw048 and
http://www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/Gopher_polyph.htm
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