CAPE CORAL, Fla. – Gopher tortoises in Cape Coral are facing a growing threat from cars as they cross roads daily.
Local wildlife groups are urging drivers to slow down near conservation areas to protect these creatures.
“Almost every day they cross here and they come this way. They’re here all the time. You see them crossing the road,” said Harry Osborn, a longtime resident of the area. “They’re defenseless. They don’t mean to harm anybody. And people just speeding.”
The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife reported seeing four gopher tortoises killed by cars in just the last week. They believe many of these deaths were avoidable.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has identified road kill as one of the biggest threats facing the gopher tortoise species. These animals take minutes to cross roads, making them vulnerable to passing vehicles.
Every step a gopher tortoise takes could be its last.
Drivers are urged to be vigilant to help protect these important members of the community.