We have gopher tortoises here in So Fla -- Gopherus polyphemus.
Many times have come home to see one crossing the street. Carefully drive over or around them then pick 'em up and carry them to the vacant lot they were headed to. They are big and move kinda slow.
Gopher tortoises are known as a keystone species. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission states that the gopher tortoise provides refuge for as many as 350 to 400 species. They live in burrows.
I'll remember to save the banana flowers from now on for these guys. Thanks for the info.