Mojave Max, the famous Southern Nevada desert tortoise, officially emerged from his burrow at 2:03 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29.
Mojave Max is a live desert tortoise. Like other Southern Nevada reptiles, he enters a burrow to brumate (the reptilian form of hibernation) every winter and emerges every spring.
Mojave Max’s emergence marks the beginning of spring-like weather in Southern Nevada. Warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours and an internal clock are factors known to contribute to his emergence every year.
As part of the 12th annual Mojave Max Emergence Contest, students have been studying Mojave Desert weather, temperatures, and conditions to scientifically estimate when they believed Mojave Max would first emerge from his burrow in 2011. They entered their guesses on-line at www.mojavemax.com . The entries are being tabulated and the official winner will be announced soon. The winning student will receive prizes including a year-long pass to federally managed fee areas and a laptop computer. The winner’s entire class will receive a field trip to Mojave Max’s habitat, Mojave Max Olympic-style medals and T-shirts, while the winner’s teacher will also receive a laptop computer.
Questions about the live Mojave Max should be directed to Amelia Savage with the Bureau of Land Management at 515-5350.
