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.
