Gopher tortoises are generally found in the southeastern United States, yet one was recently discovered in Massachusetts.
Experts believe this is due to the illegal wildlife trade of turtles and tortoises, which is growing increasingly popular in the United States.
This is not only a traumatic experience for turtles, but removing them from their habitats can negatively impact those ecosystems as well.
Gopher tortoises are keystone species and are protected by the Endangered Species Act.
But we need to lend our voice to this issue to make sure they are being protected from poaching.
Please sign this petition to urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help protect and conserve turtle and tortoise populations!
This article by Mathew Davis was first published by OneGreenPlanet on 6 February 2023.
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