In honor of Florida’s Gopher Tortoise Day I thought I’d share my most recent encounter with this keystone species. This one made quite an impression when we crossed paths briefly during a visit to Solomon’s Castle last month.

While I was pleased with the quick sighting, my attention was drawn to what the tortoise left behind as it marched down the sandy trail. A footprint! Look at all those little dimples in the soil, what a cool pattern! I wonder if these prints are unique to each individual (like a human fingerprint) and if so, could that be a helpful tool for tracking them?