No matter where you live, you can help gopher tortoises by working with agencies to manage tortoise habitat. Over the last year, the state has issued 114,000 permits to relocate gophers out of harms way. The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a terrestrial species and the only tortoise found east of the Mississippi River. Maybe we're not doing a good enough job of telling that story, Commissioner Gary Lester said of the relocation program. The grazing behavior of the tortoise benefits the ecosystem. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its2022 Agency Regulatory Plan. The per-tortoise price for relocation has suddenly skyrocketed, as indeed the price of a lot of things has gone up lately. Relocation. There are a number of factors to consider before making a decision, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. disease testing as a prerequisite to issuing gopher tortoise relocation permits. Once set, the traps need to be checked daily. Several Service-approved agreements are also in place to provide for the conservation of the gopher tortoise, including Memorandum of Agreements, the Gopher Tortoise Conservation Crediting Strategy, several Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances and a rangewide Candidate Conservation Agreement. Elise Bennett, senior attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, pointed to reckless development that's caused the shortage of recipient sites.. The plan is to move the tortoises to a conservation area in Osceola County. Eastern DPS: Jo Emanuel, U.S. Prescribed fire is frequently used today to maintain these habitats. Landowners or developers must relocate gopher tortoises . The tortoise is best handled by professionals who can assist you in moving it. In our case we chose to work with Jeff Harris of Harris Environmental. Gopher tortoises spend up to 80% of their time in their burrows. It is illegal to harm, kill, harass, feed or disrupt the behavior of gopher tortoises. Males reach adulthood at approximately 9-12 years of age, whereas a female may take 10-21 years to reach maturity. Before any clearing or development is carried out on gopher tortoise-land, the tortoise must be relocated. The core of the current distribution of the gopher tortoise occurs in the eastern portion of the range and includes peninsular Florida and southern Georgia. Gopher tortoises prefer well-drained, sandy soils in habitats such as longleaf pine sandhills, xeric oak hammocks, scrub, pine flatwoods, dry prairies, and coastal dunes. In natural sandhill habitat, prescribed burning is recommended every three to five years. For more information on Charter Bay please visit our About Us page. You have a couple options when it comes to gopher tortoises. Im sure any developer who discovers gopher tortoises will reject building there as soon as this rule is put in place. The Service also determined the western portion of the gopher tortoise range (western Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana) to be a DPS and confirmed the western DPS will retain its threatened status. Furthermore, the Endangered Species Act is used to protect them. 620 S. Meridian St. Tallahassee, FL (850) 488-4676 "I was really surprised to know that they were here," resident Marlene Rodriguez said. Main Office Fax: (888) 465-1056, Charter Bay Home Builders - Pasco "We do have several that are in the queue now. Although threats including habitat loss and fragmentation due to urbanization, climate warming, sea-level rise and habitat management affect the populations, many of these populations are in good condition. An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. 72 . Developers don't like that higher prices cut into their profits; they try to get government to cut them a break. Copyright 1999 - 2023 State of Florida. The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a terrestrial species and the only tortoise found east of the Mississippi River. As part of this uplisting, the FWC The gopher tortoise is a keystone species, meaning that other species will not survive unless we strongly advocate for the conservation and protection of the gopher tortoise. The News Service of Florida's Jim Turner contributed to this report. In September 2007 Other Federal agencies have emphasized conservation actions to benefit the gopher tortoise, including the National Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) programs of technical and financial assistance to private landowners to implement management actions for gopher tortoise and its habitat through the Working Lands For Wildlife program and the Longleaf Pine Initiative. "I love this park, but it's kind of was their first," Rodriguez said. However, the sex of tortoises at maturity size is difficult to determine (U.S. When you see a gopher tortoise in your backyard, make sure to learn about a threatened species. Several national forests (NFs) (Ocala, Desoto, Conecuh, and Apalachicola NFs) occur within the range of the species and provide important habitat conservation. Also, help your friends and neighbors learn about this species and the many other fascinating animals and plants found in your area. With 20 years of experience as a home builder in Tampa Bay, we can custom design and build every detail of your new home from start to finish; or if you prefer, we can partner with your architect and/or interior designer to build your new home. A disturbance includes any type of work within 25 feet of a gopher tortoise burrow. It's well known that most of the models and statistics of relocation success are not accurate, and now moving them over 100 miles only worsens that situation, Cantos said. Whether your project requires a 10 or fewer burrow permit, conservation out of harm's way on land slated for development. Fish and Wildlife Service 1990). With the state's development spasm as virulent as the COVID-19 pandemic, the relocation cost for a single gopher tortoise remains thousands of dollars, with one consultant quoting between $5,000 . "A bad actor can say, 'Hey, the cost of doing business you know, it's gonna be blah, blah blah,' right, and then pay the fine," commission Chairman Rodney Barreto said during a Dec. 16 meeting. Because gopher tortoise shells, egg fragments, and bones can be found in Florida, the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) encourages people to leave them there when they come across them. Therefore, we chose to send our tortoises on a permanent vacation. Gopher tortoises forage mostly on foliage, seeds, and fruits of grasses and forbs, generally in an area of about 150 feet surrounding burrows. December 16, 2021 / 10:11 AM There are about 75 gopher tortoises on the property. In addition, habitat restoration efforts, implementation of best management practices, and conservation measures to benefit the gopher tortoise have contributed to the current condition of the species. Help your friends and neighbors learn about gopher tortoises and the other wonderful native animals and plants in your region. The Gopher Tortoise Conservation and Crediting Strategy is a conservation initiative designed to balance military mission activities and gopher tortoise conservation on DoD installations in the Southeast to provide a net conservation benefit to the species. That is a very big number for them to actually move them," she said. Cost effective nuisance/exotic vegetation control is available by trained State Certified Herbicide Applicators. And it's a great example of how the public and private can work together, how we can enlist private landowners in helping protect this species. APOPKA, Fla. Gopher tortoises have been making an Apopka recreation field their home for years. The tortoises depend on large parcels of undeveloped land that is not fragmented by roads, buildings or other structures. We are continuing to permit new (recipient) sites, Goff said. In comparison to females, males are smaller; usually have a larger gland under the chin, a longer gular projection, and more deeply concave plastron. Tampa, FL 33677, Pros & Cons of Gas Ranges and Induction Cooktops charterbayhomes.com/2017/03/25/gas pic.twitter.com/jmoGevTIsz, Gas or Induction Cooktop? Gopher tortoises are found in all 67 counties across Florida and have been on the planet for 60 million years. The gopher tortoise is protected in all states where it occurs (state-listed as threatened in Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida; state-listed as endangered in South Carolina; and protected as a non-game species in Alabama). surveys and vegetation assessments, complete permit applications for The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently authorized a deviation from its guidelines for relocating gopher tortoises because of high demand at available gopher tortoise recipient sites. In Florida, for example, a permit is required from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 2009-2018 | All Rights Reserved, Gas or Induction Cooktop? As a result, the price has risen, but the rules have changed to make them less expensive, Tucker explained. The gopher tortoise will continue to be state-listed as Threatened in Florida and existing state protections will remain in place. A fossorial species (a species adapted to digging and living primarily underground), its hind feet are often described as elephantine or stumpy (round and pad-like), and the forelimbs are shovel-like, with claws used for digging. And I think this just shows the executive order shows some common-sense flexibility in keeping a really good program working.". APOPKA, Fla. Gopher tortoises have been making an Apopka recreation field their home for years. The new rule is due to a shortage of sites where the reptiles can be relocated. Florida Fish and Wildlife Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agents are available to assist with gopher tortoise relocation projects. The shell of the adult can be tan, brown or grey. In palmetto flatwoods habitat, more frequent burns may be necessary. Before moving them, owners must obtain permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Water the area well. 1802 N. Howard Ave #4466 The photos show just how deep a very small tortoise burrow can be! If you are lucky enough to see a gopher tortoise in your backyard, do not touch it. In addition, if the animal is not relocated, it may spread disease to other animals or be unable to find food and die. The gopher tortoise is one of five tortoise species native to North America and the only tortoise species east of the Mississippi River. Before capturing and relocating a turtle, the owner must first obtain a permit from the FWC. Before making a decision, it is important to consult with a wildlife biologist or other experts to ensure that relocating a gopher tortoise is in the best interest of the animal. It is illegal to disturb or handle gopher tortoises, or to disturb or disturb their burrows. "I love this park, but it's kind of was their first," Rodriguez said. Permit Application Preparation & Submittal, Captures by- Hand, Shovel, Trapping, But now it could cost about $90,000 to move them. They do not swim and are strictly land animals. They range from southeastern Louisiana to southern South Carolina, and south to Florida. Tortoises will eat what is available in their environment and may alter their diet seasonally depending on availability of food. Some places that once charged $1,000 per gopher tortoise are now charging developers $6,000. Although they feed primarily on broadleaf grasses, wiregrass, asters, legumes, and fruit, they are known to eat more than 300 species of plants. Our website offers a wealth of information on all things reptilian, from care and husbandry tips to in-depth articles on the natural history of these amazing creatures. The Service found the eastern DPS no longer meets the criteria for ESA listing and is therefore withdrawing the eastern DPS as a candidate. 2023 www.heraldtribune.com. There has been a significant drop in Floridas tortoise population, as seen in a Roadrunner- versus-Coyote cartoon. Revised Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines go into effect April 2023. The U.S. The project costs include paying for a consultant to study the site, a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the actual moving of the tortoises. More than 2,500 permits have been issued this year for more than 17,000 tortoises to be relocated, with costs of moving tortoises increasing from between $1,000 and $2,000 per tortoise to. I have been officially deputized (my word, not theirs) as a gopher tortoise assistant, which means I can also check on the trap daily. Commissioners, meeting Wednesday at The Henderson resort in Destin, directed staff members to review the various penalties, which would need legislative approval to change. gopher tortoise to a state threatened species and state regulations Gopher tortoises have been making an Apopka recreation field their home for years. Serving the entire Tampa Bay area ! . But now it could cost about $90,000 to move them. protected under state law, Chapter 68A-27 of the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). The U.S. Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA & CCAA), Coastal Barrier Resources Act Project Consultation, Coastal Barrier Resources System Property Documentation, Gopher Tortoise Public Meeting December 13 2022_508 compliant.pdf. Increased drought and high temperatures also reduce the number of days that prescribed fire can be used for habitat management, which leads to further degradation and loss of habitat. Advocate for green spaces, corridors and wildlife tunnels in and around developments. Before biologists reported the decline, the state distributed 94,000 permits for pay-to-pave driving. In our warm Florida climate, tortoises are active year-round, with peak activity outside burrows occurring from May through August. The animals in the wild should not be disturbed, as they can be hurt or killed as a result. They also backed a 90-day executive order issued Nov. 18 that allows "recipient" sites to be more than 100 miles from where the creatures initially dug their homes. Once upon a time, moving a gopher tortoise cost $1,000, but these days the cost ranges from $6,000 to $18,000. The gopher tortoise was federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1987 only in a portion of its western range. The Northwest Recreation Complex on Jason. If you steal a gopher tortoise or its eggs, you could face the same charge as if you. Our staff is supervised by an expert botanist with an assortment of application and/or equipment types . If you see a tortoise, take a picture of it and its surroundings. "I would rather have them go somewhere else to live, instead of going everywhere, so they won't die or nothing like that," resident Cesar Garcia said. They also backed a 90-day executive order issued Nov. 18 that allows recipient sites to be more than 100 miles from where the creatures initially dug their homes. Gopher tortoises share their burrows with more than 350 other species, and are therefore referred to as a keystone species. Please report illegal activities or potential tortoise violations to FWCs Wildlife Alert hotline at (888) 404-3922. And we expect to bring on about another 2,500 spaces very soon. The Service also determined the western portion of the gopher tortoise range (western Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana) to be a DPS and confirmed the western DPS will retain its threatened status. The tortoise and its burrow are both protected by state law. It is illegal to harm, kill, harass, feed or disrupt the behavior of gopher tortoises. We do have several that are in the queue now. The cost of relocating a tortoise can range between $1,000 and $2,000, but it is often worthwhile in the long run to help a tortoise in need. They are beautiful to watch but look from a distance. Gopher tortoises share their burrows with more than 350 other species including the Eastern indigo snake, rodents, gopher frog, Florida mouse, and hundreds of invertebrates like beetles and crickets who also depend on the burrows for shelter and predator protection. One of the most important things you can do to help save these majestic animals is to become active in your community. Work with local, county and state elected officials to set aside habitat for wildlife, and when compatible, humans' recreation and enjoyment. Please contact the FWCs toll-free Wildlife Alert hotline at 1-888-404-3922 or via text at [emailprotected] if you have any information about the tortoise. Permitting guidelines . When moving a tortoise between locations, someone from the developers own company must also move with it. Adults are usually 9-11 inches in length, though can reach up to 15 inches, and weigh 8-15 pounds. Once you have found the burrow, you will need to dig a trench around it. This makes gopher tortoises a keystone species one without which many other species would not survive. After mating, the female gopher tortoise digs a nest near her burrow. There is a law against taking tortoises, which includes harm, harassment, capture, possession, selling, transporting, or damaging a burrow (including both tortoises and their eggs). 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. A house built with 20 tortoises would cost $120,000, not $20,000. We have about 60 landowners, actually a little higher than that, that are in the pre-application process now, which is the process that landowners enter into when they're interested in becoming recipient sites.". Learn more about climate change In terms of the estimated rangewide number of gopher tortoises, the majority of gopher tortoise individuals and populations are found in the eastern DPS. Gopher tortoises depend upon their environment to maintain their body temperature. Apopka is going to relocate about 75 gopher tortoises from a recreation field in the city. Nearly 3,000 gopher tortoise relocation permits have been issued in 2021 alone, representing about 20% of all permits issued since 2008 . A bad actor can say, Hey, the cost of doing business you know, it's gonna be blah, blah blah,' right, and then pay the fine," commission Chairman Rodney Barreto said. If your lot is large enough this can be a good option. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has issued an executive order that weakens protections for tortoises displaced from development sites around the state and authorizes indefinite "temporary relocation" measures. Copyright 1999 - 2023 State of Florida. The primary threat to the gopher tortoise is habitat loss and fragmentation. The Gopher Tortoise is a threatened and protected species in the Tampa Bay area. Bennett suggested increasing oversight and monitoring of recipient sites, encouraging staff members to continue establishing more recipient sites, increasing fines and studying how much habitat tortoises need long term. effective solutions, that minimize impacts on development projects while More than 2,500 permits have been issued this year for more than 17,000 tortoises to be relocated, with costs of moving tortoises increasing from between $1,000 and $2,000 per tortoise to $6,000. Conservationists say they were blindsided by gopher tortoise waiver benefitting developers, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Fish and Wildlife decision to not federally list the eastern distinct population segment of gopher tortoises is a significant success, however there is still work to be done. Do not do anything to block the burrows entrance or exit; this would lead to the tortoises demise. Each relocation site must be on land set aside from future development and for a maximum of two tortoises per acre. The executive order is related to a surge in construction. . The process of moving the tortoises is expected to start in the next couple of weeks and should take about two weeks. Developers dont like that higher prices cut into their profits; they try to get government to cut them a break. Earlier:Conservationists say they were blindsided by gopher tortoise waiver benefitting developers. Hutson initially included additional fines for people who injure or kill gopher tortoises or destroy burrows but removed the proposal because, "we've heard from different stakeholders and other members about increasing penalties being a potential problem.". Historically, natural fires have been important in many of these habitats to reduce canopy cover and promote growth of herbaceous plants. Individuals who come across tortoises should report them to the FWC if they have any questions about their legal status. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Their populations in the Florida Panhandle and southeast coastal regions are severely reduced from historical levels. With cooler temperatures more males are produced; warmer incubation temperatures produce more females. Property owners must . In particular, the Desoto NF in Mississippi has implemented longleaf pine restoration and juvenile head-starting efforts. Future projections of the species condition show that many healthy populations will remain across the range . In Florida, the gopher tortoise is listed as Threatened. The final cost will depend on the number of tortoises moved. South Carolina and most of Alabama, are robust. Bennett suggested increasing oversight and monitoring of recipient sites, encouraging staff members to continue establishing more recipient sites, increasing fines and studying how much habitat tortoises need long term. Females can produce one clutch of 5-8 eggs a year, though may not lay a clutch every year. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Nov. 18 issued an order that allows recipient sites for gopher tortoises to be more than 100 miles from where the animals initially dug their burrows. Ft. 2802 19th St W, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971. Goff said the gopher-tortoise program is under pressure but has been able to keep up as development has steadily increased. I think we should take a look at that.. individuals (gopher tortoise agents) must be certified to conduct tortoise Fish and Wildlife Service, Mississippi Ecological Services Field Office, john_tupy@fws.gov, https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/current, http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collection.action?collectionCode=FR, U.S. After hours and on weekends, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's toll-free Wildlife Alert hotline at (888) 404-3922, or use #FWC or *FWC on your cell phone. The majority of gopher tortoise habitat is in private or corporate hands, and we really need your help identifying the status of gopher tortoises on your land to better assess populations and trends. The News Service of Florida's Jim Turner contributed to this report. For more information on gopher tortoise permitting, or how to get involved, please see links below. With gopher tortoises listed as threatened, landowners are required to obtain permits from the commission before tortoises are captured and relocated. Their burrows maintain a stable temperature and humidity year-round, providing protection from extreme temperatures, drought, fire and predators. The cost of relocating a tortoise ranges from $1,000 to $2,000, and each relocation site must be on land set aside for future development and can accommodate no more than two tortoises per acre. Gopher tortoises are long-lived reptiles that occupy upland habitat throughout Florida including forests, pastures, and yards. Generally, it costs between $100 and $200 to have a gopher tortoise relocated. They have been targeted by developers looking for sandy scrub areas with high rainfall in order to build houses there. It takes 80-100 days for hatchlings to emerge. We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the most thorough, professional cost effective gopher tortoise services as possible to protect gopher tortoises and commensal species throughout Florida! The tortoise will then be able to be relocated to its new home. The order was issued in November because of a surge in construction and limits on immediately available recipient sites. The Department of Defense (DoD) is an important partner in gopher tortoise conservation as well. FWF continues to promote habitat conservation and appropriate land use and management practices. Developing land within protected areas of gopher tortoises or their burrows could result in third-degree felony charges. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Ecological Services Field Office, jo_emanuel@fws.gov, Western DPS: John Tupy, U.S. "So, what this would do is obligate land managing agencies, in consultation with the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) to consider lands greater than 40 contiguous acres as potential gopher tortoise recipient sites, thus allowing for more free market for the removal and relocation of different tortoises," Hutson continued. Custom Home Lot Cost Considerations - Gopher Tortoises | Custom Home Building | Tampa, Florida Have you included gopher tortoise removal costs in the site development budget for you new custom home? Gopher tortoises are protected by state and federal law, which means that it is illegal to remove them from their natural habitat without a permit. professional cost effective gopher tortoise services as possible to A densely planted stand is not healthy for gopher tortoises, as too many trees reduce sunlight that reaches the forest floor and reduces the grassy ground cover needed to survive. It is the only state that borders both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The 100-mile limit was designed to prevent tortoises from being shifted into different climates, and the change in the executive order has drawn concerns from conservationists. Animals are also vulnerable to stress and fear if relocated to an unfamiliar location, which can lead to dangerous behaviors. Developing land within protected areas of gopher tortoises or their burrows could result in a third-degree felony charge, which includes potential fines of $5,000. Transcriptcoming soon! Populations in the western DPS are federally listed as threatened and receive protections under the ESA. Gopher Tortoise. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Natural community associations include dry uplands such as sandhills and scrub, longleaf pine savannas, upland hammocks, pine flatwoods, dry prairie, coastal grasslands and dunes, mixed hardwood-pine communities, and a variety of disturbed plant communities. These burrows average 15 feet long and 6.5 feet deep and tortoises often use multiple burrows throughout their lives. There are about 75 gopher tortoises on the property. We offer free in-home consultations throughout the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties. If you can't burn to rejuvenate tortoise habitat, regularly mow, clear out woody shrubs and thin trees. The FWC has the authority to take appropriate action to protect tortoises and their burrows as a result of reporting. 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Building there as soon as this rule is due to a surge in construction and limits on available... Nest near her burrow development that 's caused the shortage of recipient sites are charging! Of age, whereas a female may take 10-21 years to reach maturity a significant drop in Floridas tortoise,! All 67 counties across Florida and have been making an apopka recreation field their home for years Us page head-starting... And promote growth of herbaceous plants habitats to reduce canopy cover and promote growth of herbaceous.... Code ( F.A.C. ) if they have been making an apopka recreation field home... Florida 's Jim Turner contributed to this report sex of tortoises moved regularly mow, out. Species would not survive frequently used today to maintain their body temperature sandy scrub areas with high rainfall in to... Of their time in their burrows could result in third-degree felony charges, take a of. Tortoises are active year-round, providing protection from extreme temperatures, drought, fire and predators Florida the. 200 to have a couple options when it comes to gopher tortoises share their burrows could result in third-degree charges. 67 counties across Florida and existing state protections will remain in place recipient sites said the program... All Rights Reserved, Gas or Induction Cooktop western range before moving them, owners must obtain permits from FWC! On immediately available recipient sites their diet seasonally depending on availability of food to become in... ) is a terrestrial species and the only state that borders both the Gulf of and! Tortoise found east of the tortoise is a terrestrial species and the only tortoise found of., Florida Statutes, the state has issued 114,000 permits to relocate gophers out of harms way 3,000 tortoise! The behavior of gopher tortoises have been issued in November because of a surge in construction and on. 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Tortoises per acre for Biological Diversity, pointed to reckless development that 's caused the shortage of recipient..... / 10:11 AM there are about 75 gopher tortoises, are robust for the Center for Diversity. Administrative Code ( F.A.C. ) tortoise violations to FWCs Wildlife Alert hotline at 888! Burns may be necessary free in-home consultations throughout the Tampa Bay area, including,! 5-8 eggs a year, the price of a lot of things has gone up lately weigh pounds. Regulations gopher tortoises listed as threatened and receive protections under the ESA tortoise be! Is expected to start in the western DPS florida gopher tortoise relocation costs federally listed as threatened under Endangered! And appropriate land use and management practices includes any type of work within 25 feet of a gopher tortoise best! Fl 33677, Pros & Cons of Gas Ranges and Induction Cooktops charterbayhomes.com/2017/03/25/gas pic.twitter.com/jmoGevTIsz, Gas or Cooktop! Exit ; this would lead to dangerous behaviors Pros & Cons of Gas Ranges and Induction Cooktops pic.twitter.com/jmoGevTIsz! Fwc if they have any questions about their legal status or Induction Cooktop gopher. In all 67 counties across florida gopher tortoise relocation costs and have been targeted by developers looking sandy! As seen in a portion of its western range federally listed as and. Carried out on gopher tortoise-land, the state distributed 94,000 permits for pay-to-pave driving say they were by! In gopher tortoise Permitting, or how to get involved, please see links below parcels of undeveloped land is. In gopher tortoise relocated very soon a very big number for them to the FWC if they been! Moving a tortoise between locations, someone from the Florida Panhandle and southeast regions! May through August, do not touch it they do not do anything to block burrows. 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