LaBelle women raise awareness on gopher tortoise protection efforts

LABELLE, Fla. (WINK) — Two LaBelle residents are raising concerns about the threat to a protected species due to rapid community growth. The gopher tortoise, Florida's only native tortoise species, is at risk, they say.

Julie Jeffords and Margaret England are on a mission to protect these tortoises. They shared their concerns at the WINK Listens event in Labelle, hoping to educate others about the importance of these animals.

"We're really very concerned about Florida's only native tortoise species," said Margaret England.

"12 burrows are across the street from my home that I've been trying to protect," said Julie Jeffords.

They invited WINK News to their neighborhood to highlight the situation.

The complexity of relocating gopher tortoises lies in their burrows, which can extend up to 35 feet underground, making the process costly and difficult. Many property buyers and sellers are unaware of these challenges.

"I think a lot of the realtors are selling these properties, making it seem like it's no big deal that there's a burrow to move when it's expensive and very invasive on the property," said Jeffords.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission states that it is illegal to harm gopher tortoises or their burrows. Warning signs are often posted to alert people to their presence.

"You just cannot keep up with the influx of people coming in and the people trying to sell the lots, tear the signs down. So it's a battle. It's a constant, constant fight," said Jeffords.

For Jeffords and England, protecting the tortoises is also about raising awareness of Florida's native species.

"Florida native, trying to raise awareness of another Florida native," said England.

By speaking out, these women hope more people will understand the importance of protecting the gopher tortoise and its habitat.