Gopher tortoises are fascinating creatures, and you might be wondering if you can keep one as a pet. Before you consider bringing a gopher tortoise home, it’s crucial to understand the legal protections in place for these animals, especially in states like Florida where they are a threatened species.
Gopher Tortoises: A Protected Species
In Florida, gopher tortoises ( Gopherus polyphemus) are officially designated as a threatened species. This designation, under Florida Administrative Code Chapter 68A-27, means they are protected by state law. This protection isn’t just for the tortoises themselves, but also extends to their burrows, which are vital to the ecosystem, providing shelter for many other species. Because of their protected status, the rules around interacting with gopher tortoises are very strict.
What the Law Says About Gopher Tortoises
The law is very clear: it is illegal to “take, attempt to take, pursue, hunt, harass, capture, possess, sell or transport any gopher tortoise or parts thereof or their eggs, or molest, damage, or destroy gopher tortoise burrows.” This list is comprehensive and essentially covers any action that could harm or disturb a gopher tortoise or its habitat. Unless you have specific permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), you cannot legally keep a gopher tortoise as a pet.
Permits are primarily issued for specific actions like relocation when land development is necessary, and even then, strict guidelines must be followed. These permits are not intended for private individuals to keep gopher tortoises as pets. The focus is on conservation and ensuring the species’ survival in the wild. If you are undertaking land clearing or development, you are legally required to obtain permits to relocate any gopher tortoises on the property before any work begins. For detailed information on permitting, you should consult the FWC’s permitting guidelines and contact the gopher tortoise biologist in your region.
Wildlife Alert Program: Protecting Gopher Tortoises
To further protect gopher tortoises, Florida has a Wildlife Alert Reward Program. This program encourages the public to report any suspected violations of wildlife laws, including those relating to gopher tortoises. If you witness someone harming, harassing, or illegally possessing a gopher tortoise, you can report it to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Reward Program 24/7 at 888-404-FWCC or online. Information leading to an arrest may even be eligible for a reward.
Conclusion: Wild Animals Belong in the Wild
In conclusion, while the idea of having a gopher tortoise as a pet might be appealing, it is illegal and harmful to the conservation of this threatened species. Gopher tortoises are wild animals that play a crucial role in their natural habitat. The laws are in place to protect them and their environment. If you care about gopher tortoises, the best way to help is to respect their space in the wild and report any illegal activity that could harm them. Appreciate them from a distance and support conservation efforts to ensure their populations thrive in their natural homes.
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