Gopher Tortoise Fatally Shot In Venice; Wildlife Officials Search For Shooter

VENICE, FL - A gopher tortoise was found dead this week from apparent gunshot wounds in Venice. Fish and wildlife officials are asking for help in finding the shooter. The gopher tortoise is listed as a threatened species and it is illegal to kill, harass or destroy them, their burrows or their eggs.

The dead tortoise was found at the corner of Manasota Beach Road and Englewood Road on Monday, Sept. 25. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that a newer-model red or maroon GMC truck was seen in the area at the time of the incident.

For more information, visit the commission’s Wildlife Alert page. If anyone has any information about the case, you are asked to call the Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on your cell, or text Tip@MyFWC.com. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.

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If you see a sick, injured or dead gopher tortoise, report it to the commission at: https://public.myfwc.com/HSC/GopherTortoise/GTMortality.aspx

Image via Pixabay