Gopher Tortoise Council
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South Carolina FAQ

  • What do I do if I find a tortoise on my property?

    The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources would like to know if you find a gopher tortoise. Gopher tortoises are listed as endangered in SC and only found in xeric, sandy habitats in the southern portion of the coastal plain. If you find a gopher tortoise, please take a photo, document the location and contact Andrew Grosse, State Herpetologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (843) 527-8448.

  • What do I do if someone is observed harming a tortoise or a destroying a burrow?

    Gopher tortoises are listed as endangered and protected in South Carolina. If you see these activities please call 1-800-922-5431 to report an emergency or contact Andrew Grosse, State Herpetologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (843) 527-8448.

  • What to do if tortoises are located on an undeveloped lot that soon will be developed?

    Gopher tortoises are protected in South Carolina and any capture or removal requires a permit. If you have any questions please contact Andrew Grosse, State Herpetologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (843) 527-8448.

  • Who do I contact about live/dead tortoise observations?

    Please take a photo, document the location and contact Andrew Grosse, State Herpetologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (843) 527-8448.

  • What do I do if I find an injured tortoise?

    Please take the individual to the nearest vet or animal hospital so the tortoise can receive immediate attention. Contact Andrew Grosse, State Herpetologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (843) 527-8448.

  • Can I keep a tortoise as a pet? Can I keep a shell?

    No, gopher tortoises are state listed as endangered in South Carolina and tortoises and their parts are not permitted to be kept without a permit issued by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

  • I found a tortoise with no burrow close by and/or crossing a road. What do I do?

    If you can move it safely, move the tortoise from the roadway to the shoulder of the road in the direction it was facing. In South Carolina, gopher tortoises are only found in the southern portion of the coastal plain. Depending on your location, we may need to relocate the individual. Please take a photo, document the location and contact Andrew Grosse, State Herpetologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (843) 527-8448.

  • How can I help tortoises in my state? community?

    Gopher Tortoises are listed as endangered and limited to the southern portion of the coastal plain in South Carolina. Despite their limited range in SC, occasionally, gopher tortoises show up in new locations. Please report any gopher tortoise sightings to Andrew Grosse, State Herpetologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (843) 527-8448.

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