Mojave desert tortoise
Gopherus agassizii
- Notice
- Low tan shell and thick scaly forelegs
- When
- Spring–fall; often hidden
- Habitat
- Mojave Desert scrub
- Best cue
- Drive slowly after mild weather
Mojave desert tortoises spend most of their lives underground, emerging intermittently to feed and mate in spring and through fall. Moderate weather and summer rain can briefly increase activity.
They are federally threatened and vulnerable to vehicles, handling, pets, disease, and disturbance. Most remain hidden in burrows even during the broader active season.
Never touch, move, feed, follow, or share the live location of a desert tortoise; give it a wide berth and drive slowly in desert habitat.