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How to Tell Gopher Tortoise Eggs

The gopher tortoise or Gopherus polyphemus is a species of land turtle taking its name from the extensive burrow it digs. Subsisting on grasses, the gopher tortoise inhabits the sandy-soiled regions from South Carolina south to Florida and along the Gulf Coast to Louisiana, says Outdoor Alabama. The female gopher tortoise lays eggs after mating with the male during April and May. Identify gopher tortoise eggs by familiarizing yourself with the nesting habits of this reptile, as well as where to look for the eggs and what they look like.

Instructions

- 1
  Familiarize yourself with what a gopher tortoise looks like, in case you encounter one by its burrow or in the process of laying eggs. Gopher tortoises have a domed shell up to 15 inches long, with flipper-like front legs and stout back legs. The gopher tortoise and its shell are grayish-brown. The largest specimens weigh about 30 lbs.
- 2
  Look for the nests of gopher tortoises beginning in April and into July. The female builds her nest close to her burrow by digging in the sand about 5 inches down. The gopher tortoise burrow, sometimes as long as 40 feet and 10 feet deep, will have plenty of loose sand by its opening, helping you to identify it.
- 3
  Count the number of eggs you find in a gopher tortoise nest. Females have the ability to lay as many as 15 eggs but typically deposit between two and seven, according to the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians."
- 4
  Examine the color, shape and size of the gopher tortoise egg. The eggs will be white, with a round shape. The eggs resemble a ping-pong ball. They require between 80 and 90 days to hatch.
- 5
  Inspect the gopher tortoise nest regularly to watch for any hatchlings emerging. This will let you know that the nest you found did contain gopher tortoise eggs. The small baby tortoises hatch during August or September. They're between 1 inch and 2 inches in length and are yellowish-tan.

Nature