Gopher tortoises are considered a threatened species in Georgia, so state law prohibits deliberately harming them or maliciously damaging their burrows. If you observe a tortoise being intentionally harmed, contact the Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Ranger Hotline at 1-800-241-4113. Keep in mind that Georgia law does not prohibit otherwise lawful activities, such as timber harvesting, mowing, etc., which may incidentally harm tortoises or their burrows. However, there are often simple ways to reduce the chances that tortoises will be negatively impacted by these activities. Suggestions can be found on the Georgia DNR website: Georgiawildlife.com under “Landowner Resources”.

Depending on the exact development plans, it may be possible for tortoises to remain where they are. In other cases, Georgia DNR may be able to arrange for tortoises to be relocated. Please call DNR at 229-289-8896 to discuss the situation.

Georgia DNR does not have sufficient resources to maintain records of all gopher tortoise observations. However, if you observe a number of dead tortoises in the same area, it may indicate that a problem, such as a disease outbreak or road mortality, is affecting the local population. If you notice this situation, or have other unusual tortoise observations (for example, a gopher tortoise observed outside the species natural range) please contact DNR at 229-289-8896.

Please contact Georgia DNR at 229-289-8896. If possible provide photos of the injured tortoise. Depending on the circumstances, DNR may help arrange for the tortoise to be treated by a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator.

Georgia law prohibits keeping most native wildlife species as pets, including gopher tortoises. The law also generally prohibits possessing parts of protected non-game wildlife, such as tortoise shells. For information about the special permits needed to exhibit wildlife for educational purposes, contact the Georgia DNR Special Permits Unit at 770-918-6408.

In most cases, the tortoise lives somewhere in the larger area and knows where it is trying to go. Tortoises have been documented walking a mile or more when traveling between burrows or seeking a mate! So, unless the tortoise is in immediate danger, it's almost always best not to interfere with its movements. It is acceptable to help a tortoise cross a road, if you can do this safely. As with other turtles, move a tortoise in the direction it was already traveling.

There are many ways! You've already taken the first step by educating yourself about gopher tortoises and the challenges they face. Share what you've learned with others, or use it to create or improve tortoise habitat on your land. You could also join the Gopher Tortoise Council and volunteer to help educate others at events in your area. In Georgia, The Wildlife Conservation Section of the Department of Natural Resources has the primary responsibility for conservation of non-game wildlife, like the gopher tortoise. Donations from the public are one of it's primary funding sources. Visit https://georgiawildlife.com/donations for details on how to support it. Funds or volunteer time are also appreciated by other non-profits that are involved in conserving tortoises in Georgia. These include: The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, The Orianne Society, The Jekyll Island Sea Turtle Center, and many others.