Desert Tortoise

Description:

Full grown a desert tortoise can grow up to 14 inches in length. Front limbs have sharp spike-like scales that are used for digging. Shells have a higher dome shape and is usually dark green or dark brown.

Habitat:

Able to live in temperatures up to 140 degrees fahrenheit by burrowing, the desert tortoise live most of its life underground. They typically make their homes in washes and canyons due to soil quality.

Notes:

Due to predation, disease, and urban development the tortoise population is declining and has been labled as threatened. Also due to their specific needs, any tortoises that are found in an urban area cannot be returned since other reptiles may have moved into their homes and also in the case they are infected with mycoplasma. Since these recovered tortoises are unable to be released back into the wild it's possible to adopt them from the Game and Fish Department. A word of warning though it is illegal to sell or purchase a tortoise from anyone.