Concerns grow after recent Gopher Tortoise deaths at Honeymoon Island State Park
Share this @internewscast.com

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — State officials are investigating after numerous recent gopher tortoise deaths at a popular beach destination.

A spokesperson from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has reported that Honeymoon Island State Park has seen multiple gopher tortoise fatalities in the past couple of weeks, likely caused by vehicles.

In response, park staff have increased monitoring, posted signage and are actively reminding visitors to drive with caution.

Lori O’Connell visits the park often and said she heard about the recent deaths from park rangers.

“They’re amazing creatures,” O’Connell said. “It really is heartbreaking to hear that some of them have lost their lives just due to carelessness.”

Gopher tortoises are a threatened species and protected under Florida law.

“Gopher tortoises are known as a Keystone Species, which means around 350 other wildlife species depend on the burrows they create. This makes them crucial for the ecosystem,” explained Officer Aaron Gonzales of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is currently conducting an investigation and is appealing to park visitors to remain vigilant, especially with the upcoming 4th of July holiday.

According to the FWC, gopher tortoises are more active right now because it’s nesting season.

Gopher tortoises are attracted to roadsides because of the vegetation and warmth.

“Gopher tortoises are terrestrial, cold-blooded animals, and they tend to congregate along the side of roads because it’s warm,” Gonzales said. “They’re able to graze on the kind of grasses around there.

“Any amount of strikes is more than you want to see. Slow down, keep your eyes on the road as you’re enjoying the park. If you see them trying to cross the road, you can help them go in the direction that they’re trying to get to. Do not try to relocate them.”

The FWC said if you see a gopher tortoise in distress, report it to them.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Critical Condition: Two Injured in Brevard County Hit-and-Run Incident, Reports FHP

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – In Brevard County, Florida Highway Patrol officers are…

Texas Woman Allegedly Embezzles $30K from Car Dealership for TikTok Shopping Spree

In Lubbock, Texas, Mashell Badley, aged 55, was taken into custody on…

Trump Embarks on Asia Tour Amid Prolonged U.S. Government Shutdown, Set to Meet China’s Xi

President Donald Trump embarked on his inaugural trip to Asia during his…

Fresh Leadership Sets the Stage for SSU’s Exciting Homecoming Parade Launch

SAVANNAH, Ga. () – A vibrant sea of orange and blue took…

Recent Study Reveals ‘Forever Chemicals’ at USF Surpass EPA Limits

In Tampa, Florida, a recent analysis by USA Today reveals that one…

Trump Considers Imposing 10% Additional Import Tax on Canada Over Delayed Removal of Anti-Tariff Advertisement

On Saturday, President Donald Trump announced plans to increase tariffs on Canadian…

Sheriff Names Key Suspects in Robeson County Mass Shooting; Arrests Still Pending

In the early hours of Saturday, a Halloween party in Robeson County,…

Democrats Condemn Administration’s Withholding of SNAP Funds: A ‘Disgusting Dereliction of Duty

Late Friday, leading Democrats in the House criticized the Trump administration for…

Week 11 Thrills: Top Scores and Highlights from Friday Night Blitz 2025

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Welcome to the eleventh week of Friday Night Blitz!…

Shooting Near Howard University Homecoming: 5 Wounded, Suspects Arrested

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — On Friday night, a shooting near Howard…

Kamala Harris Fuels 2028 Presidential Speculations: What Her Latest Comments Reveal

WASHINGTON – Kamala Harris is keeping her political ambitions open, hinting that…

Remains of WWII Hero Finally Returned Home After 81 Years Missing in the Pacific

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) – In a poignant moment steeped in both…