“Mika” – The Friendly Tortoise
By Ira Fischer
Jupiter’s Abacoa community is best known for its close proximity to the Abacoa Amphitheater, Abacoa Golf Club and Roger Dean Stadium. For nature lovers, however, its crown jewel is the Abacoa Greenway.
The 260-acre Greenway protects an ecosystem that includes wetlands and pine woods. A significant portion of the Greenway’s acreage is devoted to the support of the native gopher tortoise population. This “keystone species” helps the ecosystem function in a way that benefits many other species.
As a resident of Abacoa’s Windsor Park, I have the good fortune of being a short walk from the Greenway where their nature trails are where their nature trails winding through its sunlit forest are a delight for sore eyes! Apart from enjoying the tranquility of communing with nature, the greatest joy is an occasional encounter with its wonderful resident wildlife. When on the trail I often cross paths with its most famous resident – a gopher tortoise. Sometimes, one can be spotted popping its head out of his or her burrow nearby. Other times, they can be seen walking alongside a trail or even crossing it. Crossing paths with a tortoise is a privilege, because their basic instinct is to scurry into a hiding space (usually their burrow), or to hide inside their shell, when they see someone on the trail.
Over time I have come to recognize a number of the tortoises that have burrows near the trail that I jog on. I call them “Old-Timer” (except for the smaller tortoises), and would say something usually like “good morning, Old-Timer”. A point is made to speak softly, as they can become easily frightened by a giant creature in their presence. Some people on the trail call me “The Tortoise Whisperer”.
After a while, most tortoises that home on the trail have come to recognize me and are no longer afraid. Indeed, some seem to welcome having company. Nevertheless, they always keep a safe distance (typically at least 3 feet), which is quite bold given the huge disparity in our sizes. On occasion, piano music is played on my phone and they appear to listen inquisitively.
Recently, I had a remarkable experience on the trail. A tortoise was spotted walking on the trail headed in my direction. I slowed down so as to not scare the creature and slowly walked towards her. When we got close, much to my surprise, this little fella did not move away. Instead, she walked around me, as though she was checking out this strange creature in her midst. Then, lo and behold, she walked onto one of my sneakers! (I said to myself, I hope it doesn’t bite).
After that singular experience, the thought occurred that if we cross paths again, I would play some tunes for her. However, upon reflection I realized that it was not a good idea, as this could endanger this young tortoise by encouraging her to interact with humans. The concern was that someone could be so enamored by this friendly critter they might take her away for a pet.
Tortoises, like all wild animals, belong in the wild. Tortoises that reside in the Greenway are a few of the lucky ones, as they are safe from hazards of roads and other dangers that can befall wild animals in an urban area. If Mika were taken away this would be tragic as she belongs in the Abacoa Greenway that she calls “home”.
It is noted that gopher tortoises are listed as “threatened species” in Florida (as well as in some other states). Gopher tortoises and their burrows (burrows are shared with many other species) are protected under Florida law. If you see anything that is likely to block a path to a burrow, carefully remove it out of harm’s way. Because gopher tortoises are protected in Florida, handling and relocation of gopher tortoises is an illegal activity unless conducted under a valid permit issued by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission.
If you see a tortoise at the preserve, please keep a safe distance to respect their timidity. It is suggested that visitors refrain from feeding these animals, as they are best left to forage naturally. Providing them with food can disrupt their natural feeding behaviors and potentially harm their health by causing nutritional imbalances.
Because tortoises are low-profile and slow-moving creatures, they are highly vulnerable to vehicular traffic on nearby roads. For this reason, be sure to close gates when entering and leaving the Greenway. If you notice a gate or fencing that is in disrepair, including a vehicle access gate that has been left open, that can result in tortoises leaving the Greenway, please notify the owner/manager of the greenway (Northern Palm Beach Improvement District; 561-624-7830) ASAP, if you see such a breach. Should you see a tortoise that appears to be injured or sick, please contact Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (561-575-3399). Should you see a tortoise crossing a road, and wish to move it out of harm’s way, it should be moved across the road in the same direction it was headed, since it will instinctively continue to go back in that direction.
We are privileged to have the Abacoa Greenway and to share space with all of its pleasant residents. For that reason, it is also our responsibility to ensure those residents can safely thrive and keep contributing to the healthy ecosystem that we all benefit from.
