Driving into one of my favorite North Florida parks I spotted this Gopher Tortoise safely on the side of the road.
I had to pull over and investigate. I hoped he wasn't harmed.
He looked like a Gopher Tortoise, the Florida State Tortoise. They are protected and the holes they dig are beneficial to the ecosystem.
After being silent and frozen for a minute, I got a little closer than he liked and he retracted into his shell a bit and hissed at me.
I respectfully pulled back and took a few final pictures and went on my way.
I hope to see you again little buddy!
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