Turtle Doppelganger Tortoise Inadvertently Being Drowned in Florida

Wildlife lovers have unknowingly been putting tortoises in Florida to death, by placing them in water after mistaking them for turtles.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has warned users to inspect the amphibian before placing releasing them in the tide as gopher tortoises are not good swimmers and hatchlings often drown when placed in water. The commission said it was aware of at least three instances of good Samaritans incorrectly releasing hatchlings into the ocean.

"Because gopher tortoises often nest in dunes adjacent to sea turtle nesting beaches, correct identification of these terrestrial animals is important before deciding what action, if any, is necessary," the commission said.

The commission further advised inspection of limbs from a distance before deciding on rescue. It informed that tortoises have limbs with toes and claws on each toe while turtles have flippers with just one or two claws. Both tortoise and turtle belong to the same order of terrapins.