Gopher Tortoise at Smyrna Dunes Park - Flickr - Andrea Westmoreland (2)

Description:

Description: English: Gopher Tortoise at Smyrna Dunes Park I was amazed to see this Gopher Tortoise leaving the water's edge making the long trek back to the dunes. Not that this wonderful creature needed any help but I stayed close by until it was back in it's familiar territory. I didn't want a misshap with a beach patrol truck or anything. Thank God regular vehicles are not allowed. I read where a tortoise may wander down to the water for no particular purpose. I think they do know what they are doing and may nibble at seaweed or something to get certain minerals. Who really knows. I wish I had been close when the tortoise arrived at the water to observe what it might have done. Date: 26 June 2010, 17:15. Source: Gopher Tortoise at Smyrna Dunes Park. Author: Andrea Westmoreland from DeLand, United States.