How to Care for a Gopher Turtle

Caring for a gopher turtle, scientifically known as Gopherus polyphemus, is a delicate proposition. Native to the U.S., they are an endangered species and require special care and attention. Due to their dwindling numbers in the wild, they can only be cared for by people who have been approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Permits and the proper education are required before anyone can legally be in possession of a gopher turtle.

Things You'll Need

  • Completion of an approved gopher turtle training course
  • Gopher Tortoise Relocation Permit for Properties with 10 or Fewer Burrows
  • Natural gopher turtle habitat or replication
  • Fresh food and clean water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Complete an FWC-approved gopher turtle training program, such as the Authorized Gopher Agent Training Course provided by LPG Environmental Permitting Services Inc. Visit the LPG Environmental Permitting Services website (lpgenvironmental.com) to register for upcoming courses.

    • 2

      Apply for a Gopher Tortoise Relocation Permit for Properties with 10 or Fewer Burrows, which allows for up to five gopher turtles to be housed or relocated to properties, such as a single-family residential compound, for six months. Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website (myfwc.com) and register. Download and complete the online permit application. Submit the application along with the required $200 mitigation contribution fee (cost as of July 2011).

    • 3

      Replicate and/or maintain a natural gopher turtle habitat. Make sure the location you are using to house the gopher turtle has dry land and provides the right type of shelter, such as long and leafy vegetation, which gopher turtles use to hide under throughout the day. Also, the soil must be deep enough (approximately 30 to 50 feet) to allow the gopher turtle to burrow and create a hole to live in.

    • 4

      Provide fresh food and clean water daily. Although gopher turtles have been known to occasionally dine on decomposing animal carcasses, they are primarily herbivores that eat lots of plants, fruits and vegetables such as wire grass, blackberries and gopher apples. These turtles also need access to drinking water, so place water in a shallow water bowl near their burrows, which will allow them to hydrate their bodies as necessary.