The Gopher Tortoise is the only tortoise in the Southeast and can easily be distinguished by its large size, rigid, unhinged plastron (bottom of shell) and its stumpy, unwebbed feet. Adult Gopher Tortoises are large 9-15 in (24 - 38 cm) and are tan or brown above with a yellowish plastron. The juveniles can be yellowish and brightly patterned. Males have a concave plastron and longer tail than females.
Gopher Tortoises are found in the Lower Coastal Plain of Georgia. This species prefers well-drained sandy areas (in which it can burrow) but is not found in wetland areas, such as the Okefenokee. It persists only in areas where the canopy is open enough to allow for a dense understory on which it can feed.
Gopher tortoises dig extensive burrows where they spend the majority of their time. They emerge in warm weather to feed on a variety of vegetation. Tortoise burrows can extend over 45' long. The Gopher Tortoise is a federally endangered species and has declined in many areas due to habitat loss.