Gopher Tortoise (Photo : Reuters)
Officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is warning people that gopher tortoises cannot swim as more residents have been putting the creature in deep waters.
In March, there have been at least instances of visitors attempting to "help" gopher tortoise hatchlings go into the ocean.
The FWC wants to clarify that gopher tortoises do not do well in water as they swim poorly, leading them to drown and die, according to CBS.
Wildlife officials said that people might be confused as the gopher tortoises usually nest beside sea turtles. However, there are distinctions that can be spotted between the two reptiles.
Gopher tortoises have claws on each of their toes; sea turtles only have flippers. Officials from the wildlife agency said that people can easily identify the difference without the need to carry the creatures.
Florida Statutes protect gopher tortoises and other sea turtle species in the area. The reptiles are all protected regardless if they are not endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
"Both the tortoise and its burrow are protected under state law. Gopher tortoises must be relocated before any land clearing or development takes place, and property owners must obtain permits from the FWC before capturing and relocating tortoises," the FWC wrote on their website.
One interesting fact about the water-disabled reptiles is that they dig deep burrows for their shelter, and they willingly share their home to over 350 other animal species, leading them to be considered as a keystone species, according to the FWC. Both residents and visitors are encouraged to learn more about wildlife to better help animals.
Wildlife officials said that the FWC should be contacted if people spot gopher tortoises that are in need of help by calling #FWC or *FWC on their mobile handsets.
