LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Mojave Max, the famous Southern Nevada desert tortoise, officially emerged from his burrow Wednesday at 11:39 a.m., marking the beginning of spring.
Mojave Max is a live desert tortoise who calls the Las Vegas Springs Preserve his home. Like other Southern Nevada reptiles, he enters a burrow to brumate (the reptilian form of hibernation) every winter and emerges every spring.
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Warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours and his own internal clock are factors known to contribute to his emergence every year.
“Each year, Mojave Max’s emergence signals the unofficial beginning of spring in Clark County,” said Clark County Department of Environment and Sustainability Director Marci Henson. “And though it is a unique set of circumstances Max is waking up to, it is still a perfect opportunity for thousands of Clark County school children to continue to learn how to respect, protect and enjoy our delicate desert ecosystem, thanks to Mojave Max.”
The earliest he has emerged was Feb. 14, 2005, at 11:55 a.m. The latest he has appeared is April 17, 2012, at 12:41 p.m.
More information on Mojave Max is also available here.
