Gopher Tortoise: Ecosystem Engineer 

If they can dig those burrows so deep how do they get all of that sand and dirt out of it? Anyway, fascinating creatures!

Can there be a wire build entrance that the tortoise and all the other positive critters can enter but armadillos and racoons cant? I Know that's a lot of wish and work but can do, is also possible to help offset urban expansion. Maybe just where urban is and let nature be outside of urban to lessen the work. I autocad design for a living and traps or anti traps can be on my to do list. I have Gophers in my yard/ property and I hail respect by warning my neighbors by checking there tires when they go to drive. They hang out behind the car tires. My ween dog brought a baby tortoise inside the doggy door and was chewing on it. I relocated it a good distance. I fear they have compuse I don't know it they works and they will find there way back. Amiture here willing to learn and support.