04/15/2024
Tomorrow is National Gopher Tortoise Day and what an incredible reptile to be celebrated! Gopher tortoises are the only native tortoise that lives East of the Mississippi River, and their species is now considered threatened.
Here at Gulf State Park, we are lucky to have a small Gopher Tortoise population in some of our pine scrub and pine savanna ecosystems. The species itself is incredible due to it being one of the oldest living species on the planet, originating 60 million years ago. Their burrows are also extremely important for our ecosystems.
Their burrows can be up to 40 feet long and 10 feet wide and house more than just a tortoise. At least 300 additional species use their burrows, including things like rattlesnakes. This along with their protected status, are great reasons to stay away from any of the burrows that you find in the park!
Tomorrow morning we are having a guide nature walk to view some of the burrows found in our park and we hope that you all join us! Meet the Naturalist at the Butterfly Garden at 10 am CST. There is not direct driving access to the butterfly garden, you must bike or walk to the meeting place, location is linked below.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zqbkjGG4SbdxF5bG7
