Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)

This shy and rare creature lives inside its burrows about 95 percent of the time, to escape 140 degree ground temperatures, or freezing temperatures in the winter. It is illegal to touch, pick up or harass the desert tortoise - and with good reason: although the tortoise can live 80 to 100 years, if it feels threatened it will urinate as a defensive measure (the urine is said to be strong smelling). The loss of so much liquid can dehydrate the tortoise and lead to illness and death. If you see one, please stay a reasonable distance and don't touch, just take a picture from a safe distance.

This tortoise was seen in the Superstition Mountains, but there have been sightings reported in the McDowell Park.



© John R McNeill