This is a Gopher tortoise. It is NOT a sea turtle. It does not live in the water.
As you are walking along a trail to the beach in Florida, you might come across a turtle like the one above, slowly dragging itself along behind the parched, dry, scorching hot sand dunes.
You might be tempted to move it down to the water’s edge…but DON’T!!!
This is a Florida gopher tortoise. They do not live in or near water. As far as I know if you put it in the water it will drown. It is NOT a sea turtle.
Notice it’s legs and feet. They are rather short and stubby and have sturdy claws. It also has a squarish box-like shell.
A sea turtle has very long feet that look like flippers or paddles, and they have a shell that tapers to a sleek edge–perfect for gliding through the sea.
A green sea turtle on the way back to the ocean after laying her eggs. Notice the long flippers, unlike the short stubby legs of a land tortoise. Photo copyright Jim Angy.
Notice the way the shell of a sea turtle tapers to a narrow edge, and to a point in the back. Photo copyright Jim Angy.
So if you see a gopher tortoise, with it’s short stubby feet with claws, enjoy watching it, but don’t try to put it in the water. They are quite friendly and will often ignore you if you are still and quiet. When they feel threatened they may try to “run,” or they might withdraw into their shell. (Sea turtles can’t really withdraw into their shell as far.)
