That looks a lot like a baby Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), which are native to your area. It is my understanding that they are a protected species and are illegal to possess. Did your friend find it or breed it?Hello!, I'm new to this forum and desperately need help! I recieved a tortoise as a gift and have no clue what it is. Can someone please help identify what it is. Thank you!View attachment 279925
Can we see the belly please?Hello!,
I was recently gifted a tortoise from my friend but I need help identifying what kind of tortoise it is. Please and thank you!
Hello!,
I was recently gifted a tortoise from my friend but I need help identifying what kind of tortoise it is. Please and thank you!
Thanks so much for the help! And yes, my friend came across it alone in her back yard. Well her dog did first and she got it away from him and then brought it to me.That looks a lot like a baby Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), which are native to your area. It is my understanding that they are a protected species and are illegal to possess. Did your friend find it or breed it?
Here are some links to some information about them as well as permits.
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/gopher-tortoise/
https://myfwc.com/license/wildlife/gopher-tortoise-permits/permitting-guidelines/
Can we see the belly please?
Seems to be an exotic species.
Ok. It's actually illegal to remove them from the wild, so you'll need to contact authorities and let them deal with it. Don't want you getting into any trouble having it. You can report the found tortoise at toll-free Wildlife Alert hotline at 1-888-404-3922 or text [email protected]Thanks so much for the help! And yes, my friend came across it alone in her back yard. Well her dog did first and she got it away from him and then brought it to me.