The gopher turtle is a medium-sized turtle that is found in the United States, continental Mexico, and Central America. The gopher turtle is the most common turtle in North America. It is the fifth most common turtle in the world.

The gopher turtle primarily eats insects. It can dig a burrow down to nine feet deep and can live in one for up to six years. The gopher turtle is the fastest digger of any turtle and can tunnel at speeds of up to four inches per minute.