Gopher Tortoise Identification Guide
Gopher Tortoise Identification Guide
Gopher tortoise burrows are often confused with armadillo or other mammalian species
burrows. Active gopher tortoise burrows are easily identified by their classic flat bottomed,
high domed appearance and characteristic area of excavated soil in front of the opening
called the apron. Tortoise burrows gently slope down, whereas mammal burrows usually
slope straight down. Tortoise burrows are usually proportionate to the size of individual
occupying the burrow. Safety Note: NEVER stick your hand in a burrow; use a stick as you do
not know what may be in the burrow.
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native-plants-provide-something-for-everyone-578c1358bae7
Active burrow in gravel soil. Typical Active burrow in food plot. Typical Active burrow. Typical shape, gently
shape, gently slopes and presence of shape, gently slopes and presence of slopes and presence of an apron.
an apron. an apron.
Abandoned burrow. Note that it still Eggs in apron of active burrow. Sub adult burrow after a burn.
has classic shape, gently slopes and Typical shape, gently slopes and Typical shape, gently slopes and
remnants of an apron. presence of an apron. presence of an apron.
NRCS NRCS
Oldfield Mouse Burrow (1-2 in.). Coyote Den (No apron). Burrow in Armadillo Burrow (round and does
Looks like an apron but burrow goes the side of a hill. look like it has an apron). Burrow in
straight down. the side of a bank.
southeasternpocketgopher.weebly.com
Charlie Bittner
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Armadillo Burrow (No apron though one Fox Den (No apron). Burrow in the Southeastern Pocket Gopher Mounds
could mistake the soil around entrance as side of a hill. Found in the same habitat as gopher
one. Note shape of animal… oval to tortoise. Mound semi-close together.
circular as it creates burrow).
Created by Ericha Nix February 2018