Authorities search for teens accused of harming gopher tortoise in DeLand
Officials: Gopher tortoise found with foam insulation sprayed on it
A Gopher tortoise was found in DeLand, Florida, sprayed with what appeared to be foam insulation all over its head and neck. The good news here, the tortoise was brought to the Marine Science Center where it was cleaned up, and released back into the wild. The question is, who did this? Witnesses reported two kids sprayed the tortoise. The FWC said it was aware of the report and investigating.
DELAND, Fla. - Authorities in Florida are searching for two teenagers accused of spraying expanding foam insulation into the mouth of a gopher tortoise in DeLand, an incident wildlife officials are investigating as possible animal cruelty.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the tortoise was discovered with the substance in its throat after reports from witnesses near Glenwood Hammock Road.
What we know:
The animal was taken to the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, where staff worked to remove the material and monitor its condition over several days.
Staff at the facility said the tortoise’s survival depended on prompt intervention. Without treatment, officials said, the material could have obstructed its ability to eat or caused more severe internal injuries.
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The tortoise has since been released back into the wild after recovering. Wildlife officials described that outcome as "fortunate," noting that similar cases can result in permanent harm or death for protected species.
Witnesses described the act as disturbing and deliberate, with one saying the animal appeared to have been intentionally harmed. The gopher tortoise, a protected species in Florida, plays an important ecological role by digging burrows used by hundreds of other animals.
What we don't know:
Investigators say the suspects are believed to be juveniles and were in the DeLand area at the time of the incident.
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Few other details have been released as authorities work to identify those involved.
What you can do:
Officials are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.