Meet the Wildfire Hero Who Wears a Shell Instead of a Cape

The gopher tortoise may not look like your average hero, but when forest fires threatens their neighbors, their special skill comes in very handy! Here’s how to use your strengths for good.

An unlikely hero saves the day when wildfires sweep through the southeastern United States! 350 species of small ground animals all have one creature to thank, and instead of flying in with a cape fluttering behind them, this hero lumbers along slowly, carrying their own armor. Let’s meet the gopher turtle, an ecosystem engineer working behind the scenes to reshape the landscape and protect their fellow creatures!

By Sam Burns

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