Gopher tortoises tend to be solitary animals, but during the summer, they socialize because it’s mating season.

Gopher tortoises are an amazing species that burrow and live underground. Read here to learn how other animals also use their burrows!

Fort De Soto Park Manager, Dave Harshbarger, first noticed the gopher tortoises on the beach. “We did have a gopher tortoise population in the park, but it was limited, 8 known burrows at that time.

Aaron Zimmermann, a environmental specialist for the City of North Port says the tortoises are a common sight. ”They might be roaming through your front yard or crossing the street,“ he said. ”They ...