Upon leaving my field site I came across two gopher tortoises fighting in the road. They were aware that I was nearby but that did not seem to bother them. They were completely focused on their struggle. I am not sure why they were fighting (e.g. mates, territory), but I do know that it was an intense and exhaustive struggle for them. They were bother breathing hard and had to stop many time because I presume they were tired. The small tortoise was getting pushed around most of time, but it did not give up. It was knocked over twice but both times it continued fighting once the large tortoise rolled it right side up again. I think that the large tortoise rolled the small tortoise right side up because it wanted to continue the fight. As an indirect result, it rolled its opponent right side up.

gopher tortoises fighting from Patrick Z on Vimeo.

more fighting from Patrick Z on Vimeo.