LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Florida wildlife officials are searching for the people responsible for spray-painting a gopher tortoise — a protected species — with red paint and putting concrete on its limbs.

The tortoise was found in the middle of County Road 455, south of Montverde, Fla., covered with red spray paint and with concrete on its limbs and the top of its shell, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.

Two people who spotted the tortoise took it to Swamp Girl Adventures.

"Initially we were very concerned with his help, since he had so much paint on him and the concrete," said Kim Titterington, who runs Swamp Girl Adventures. "But we've gotten him a full vet check, and he seems to be energetic and doing much better."

Titterington said that, even though there is a concern because the chemicals from the paint can seep into his skin and shell, getting into the blood stream and causing damage to vital organs. But they expect the tortoise, now named Raphael, to make a full recovery.

Titterington said workers have been using a toothbrush and Dawn soap to get the paint off, along with a waterpick for dental use.

"We're going to continue watching for any signs that might appear, and continue getting the paint off," Titterington said.

We visited with Raphael and Titterington Thursday, and much of the paint is already off of him.

Gopher tortoises are state-listed as threatened and are a protected species. FWC said it is illegal and harmful to a gopher tortoise to apply man-made substances, such as paint or concrete, to any part of their body or shell. 

Titterington said it appears the tortoise got into the concrete first, but she believes the red paint was deliberate.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or email tip@myfwc.com. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.

FWC said the tortoise is now being rehabilitated.

Facebook Live replay: Status of tortoise

gopher tortoise covered in red paint
(Photo courtesy of Kim Titterington via Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)
gopher tortoise covered in red paint
(Photo courtesy of Kim Titterington via Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)
gopher tortoise covered in red paint
(Photo courtesy of Kim Titterington via Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)