Imagine taking a walk and seeing a desert tortoise creeping along the same road or
path. That could happen if you are hiking in parts of Arizona, California, Nevada or Utah.
But what is a desert tortoise?
A tortoise is a reptile. Though it looks similar, it is different from a turtle because it
lives on the land while the turtle can spend time in rivers, ponds and other bodies of
water. The tortoise shell is a high dome and its legs are shaped like an elephant's legs. It
can grow up to 14 inches long and weigh 8-15 pounds. That would be like holding a big
bag of potatoes.
This tortoise usually hibernates from October till February in a burrow or hole in the ground. A tortoise stays in the burrow for 95% of its life! If your bed was your burrow, in one day you would only leave your bed for an hour. That would be hard to do!
Staying in the hole protects the tortoise from extreme hot and cold temperatures. The
burrows can be different sizes and are used many times. A tortoise can have several
different burrows in the area where it lives.
The burrow also offers protection from enemies such as ravens (a kind of bird),Gila
Monsters (a kind of poisonous lizard), foxes and coyotes.
A desert tortoise can most often be spotted during the rainy season or in the spring in
the desert. It uses this time to travel and drink water. The tortoise stores water in its
bladder for survival during dry weather periods. The tortoise feeds on wildflowers,
grasses and new growth on a cactus.
If you see a tortoise, should you rescue this animal and take it home? The answer is
no! But, EARTH HERO, you can help! If the tortoise is wandering down a road and
seems to be in danger of being hit by a car there is something YOU can do. Ask an adult
for help. Approach the tortoise from the head end of the shell. The adult should gently
pick up the tortoise. Try not to tip it up or down but carry it level to the ground. If the
tortoise becomes too frightened it might empty its bladder. Remember, this stored water
is important for the tortoise to survive the long dry spells in the desert. Move it in the
same direction that it was headed. Do not move it very far away, just enough to be out of
danger. This tortoise can live to be almost 100 years old and it usually stays in the
same familiar area its whole life.
Being an Earth Hero means that you want to learn about all of Earth's creatures while
protecting the environment.
