Georgia wildlife
Gopher tortoise
Gopherus polyphemus
Georgia's state reptile, lives in longleaf pine sandhills.
See the Gopher tortoise up close
Best months
Mar · Apr · May · Jun
Look for their burrows in open, sandy areas; early morning is best – check the official park report.
Where to look
General Coffee State ParkReed Bingham State ParkGeorgia Veterans Memorial State Park
Conservation status
Listed as threatened, keystone species of longleaf pine
Good to know
Why are they called gopher tortoises?
Because they dig extensive burrows similar to gopher rodents.
Are gopher tortoises endangered?
They are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
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