Gopher Tortoise

Description:

The Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is native to the southeastern United States.
The species is identifiable by its stumpy, elephantine hind feet and flattened, shovel-like forelimbs covered in thick scales. 
Gopher Tortoises are herbivore scavengers and opportunistic grazers.
Their diets contains over 300 species of plants but they also eat mushrooms, fruits and flowers.
The carapace (shell) of hatchlings (last two photos) are yellow, but they take on a darker color as they mature.

Osprey Trail, Honeymoon Island State Park, Florida, USA, 25 March 2022

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