Pinellas County Police Officers Rescue Roaming Reptiles On Roads

Editor's Note: One of the great things about Patch is the ability to interact with the community. We were delighted to receive a note about this story from Dr. Jeffrey M. Goessling, assistant professor of biology at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, correcting our story about a turtle that was rescued. It seems the real prize was the fact that a police officer found a gopher tortoise in Gulfport, which Goessling said is a relatively unusual. Does anyone have any information for him regarding gopher tortoises in Gulfport?

I recently saw your article and thought I would reach out to you about the turtle that was hit by a car. The snapping turtle was actually a common snapping turtle, which is native to Pinellas County. Hopefully, the well-intended rehabber will return the animal back to the nearest pond to where it was found on the road. Turtles, especially an old adult such as the one in the photo, do not adapt well to being moved, especially to such a distance as the Suwanne River.

Also, as I am studying the gopher tortoises in Pinellas Co and Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, and thus interested in any information you might share about the Gulfport gopher tortoise, since that is a relatively unusual occurrence.

Best regards,

Jeffrey M. Goessling, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Biology 727-864-7962

PINELLAS PARK, FL — An alligator snapping turtle learned a shell of a lesson about the dangers of crossing a road last week.

The fresh-water turtle, listed as an imperiled species in Florida, was attempting to cross Park Boulevard in Pinellas Park Oct. 19 when it was struck by a car. Pinellas Park Police Officer Graham Fox happened along shortly after and found the injured turtle on the curb with its shell smashed.

Fox transported the unfortunate reptile to the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation in Seminole where veterinarians say it looks like it'll pull through. The vets will allow the turtle to recover before releasing it back into its native environment, which is defintely not in Pinellas Park.

The alligator snapping turtle is most commonly found in the Suwanee River. They're rarely seen this far south.

Another rambunctious reptile attempting to cross a busy Pinellas County road was luckier.

A gopher tortoise was rambling along in the 5800 block of 24th Avenue South when Gulfport Police Officer Eric Clague noticed him.

Clague made sure the tortoise was safely out of traffic.

While residents should avoid handling turtles and tortoises of all species, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it is acceptable to relocate a reptile if it's in danger of being struck by a car, the major killer of gopher tortoises.

The FWC offers the following tips:

• Remember gopher tortoise activity is highest in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
• When driving, scan the road and shoulder ahead. Gopher tortoises are slow moving, so allow them time to cross the road.
• If you would like to make your neighborhood a more tortoise-friendly community, crossing signs can be ordered by clicking here.
• You may help the tortoise cross the road by placing it out of harm’s way in the same direction that it was going. Do not take the tortoise with you or move it to a different area. Also, do not put your life in danger to move the tortoise. Warning: the tortoise you’re saving may decide to pee like crazy in panic when you pick it up, so be sure to hold it away from your shoes and clothing.
• If you see an injured gopher tortoise, call 850-921-1030, use #FWC on your cell phone or text Tip@MyFWC.com.
• If you cannot remain at the site, give a detailed location.
• Report sightings of dead gopher tortoises on FWC’s mortality webform and provide information on the cause of death, if known.

For more tips, see the FWC’s Safe roads for people and gopher tortoises flyer.