A determined gopher tortoise has made itself at home in Nancy Cyphert’s front yard in Fort Myers. This unexpected visitor is not only digging a massive hole under her house but is also causing concern for the stability of the home’s foundation.<\/p>\n
“It’s not a pipe burst or a sinkhole,” Cyphert said. “All this dirt here is from it. Dig it. It just digs and digs and digs.”<\/p>\n
For two weeks, the tortoise has been tirelessly constructing its tunnel, leaving Cyphert and her family worried.<\/p>\n
“That’s what worries us. You can see down, but we don’t know how far down she’s gone, or how far that way she’s gone,” said Cyphert.<\/p>\n
The tortoise’s presence is not just an inconvenience. As a state-protected species, it cannot be easily removed. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) informed Cyphert that the tortoise might be laying eggs.<\/p>\n
“It’s probably laying eggs,” said Cyphert. “We don’t know if they’ll stay there and hatch, and they’ll come out. We don’t have any idea.”<\/p>\n
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The FWC mentioned that the tortoise could be moved to the backyard, but it cannot be relocated out of the area entirely.<\/p>\n
“You can’t touch it, you can’t do anything. It can be moved to our backyard, but they can’t move it out,” Cyphert said.<\/p>\n
For now, Cyphert might have to tolerate her uninvited roommate. The FWC explained that the tortoise could potentially be removed with a permit, but if it is nesting and laying eggs, the tunnel stays put.<\/p>\n
“We would just like it to have another home besides our home,” Cyphert said.<\/p>\n
FWC reminded residents that state law protects gopher tortoises and their burrows. A gopher tortoise relocation permit is required before disturbing them.<\/p>\n
Permits are available for various situations, including potential harm to property. FWC staff provide expert guidance to find the best solution for each case.<\/p>\n