The Helen
and Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary is home to a large
population of the threatened Florida Gopher Tortoise. The final
stage of the cache will take you to an abandonded sand mine. In
the northeast quadrant of the mine (that is, approx. southeast
from the final stage's position), there is an area that has a
high-concentration of tortoise burrows. The burrows are usually
very extensive and harbor a variety of wildlife, even after the
tortoise has moved out. Please, do not disturb
the burrows! Gopher tortoises are protected by law and
these holes are essential parts of Florida's ecological
infrastructure. No geocaches should be hidden in them.
It is not uncommon to see a gopher tortoise along a trail in the
preserve eating leaves or grass. If you do, feel free to take
pictures, but keep in mind that all plant and wildlife in the
preserve is protected. Besides tortoises, the preserve is also
meant to be home to Florida's other endangered plants and animals,
including the Florida scrub jay and the bobcat.