Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This guy was strolling through my backyard today.
Good size, so he is probally 60-80 yrs, im guessing.
about15" long
I think its a native gopher tort, im in SW florida.
He is cool though.

Mike

cool

bold animal

great pictures! he doesn't look like he was too terribly shy; was he?

No, didnt seem to be too shy. I took him into my fenced area, so my 4 year old son could get some time with him, and he was fine. Put him back right where I found him and he walked right off.
Cool tort.
Mike

I agree, I think it is your Florida native gopher tortoise (G. polyphemus). At 15" a real dandy, near record. Did you measure across the curvature of the upper shell or straight line from front to back? Also very clean shell, our tortoises here in California usually look "weathered". Do you see them often in your area? They usually have well defined territories, so watch for him,you may see him again. I would have been thrilled, that is really cool. Vic H

Im kicking myself..I should have got accurate weights and lengths. I was just estimating. I think he looks to be in good shape..he must be eating healthy, look how nice and smooth the shell is , no pyramiding.
I will keep my eyes peeled for him, maybe we will cross paths again.
mike