Sandy Ridge is an official Gopher Tortoise sanctuary. This reptile is considered to be a “Species of Special Concern” in Florida. Habitat destruction is the single greatest danger faced by this animal today.

The tortoise lives in burrows that that can be 6 feet deep and 15 feet long. The flat, powerful front legs are well adapted for digging. The burrows are co-inhabited by other animals some of which are themselves endangered. There are approximately 25 Gopher Tortoises living at Sandy Ridge.