Wildlife officials in Florida have urged people to not illustrate the shells of a threatened tortoise species after several animals were found daubed with paint. Deborah Burr, gopher tortoise program coordinator at FWC, said five painted tortoises, from across the state, have been reported in recent months. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has released photos of gopher tortoises that were painted red and a shade of turquoise. “You should never paint the shells of turtles and gopher tortoises,” said the FWC in a statement. The FWC said that anyone who witnesses a gopher tortoise being harassed should call its 24-hour hotline.

Source: The Guardian August 09, 2016 19:53 UTC