I read this account on a website when I was trying to ID a turtle I found Saturday.

"Gopher Tortoises usually remain close to their burrow and when disturbed will often make a run for cover. The first Gopher I saw after moving to Florida taught me this. I was working one day and noticed a Gopher out in the field. I went out with my camera to take a picture. As I got close I expected it to behave like the Mediterranean tortoises I was familiar with and withdraw into its shell. Instead it took off running. I do mean mean running, stumpy little legs pistoning away. It was a sunny day and I guess it was fully charged. I got in front of the tortoise thinking it would stop and I would get my picture. Instead, it stopped, let out a noise like a deep sigh and tore off in another direction. I moved again and it resumed its original course and practically launched itself into its burrow."

http://tinyurl.com/gvhbj