If the sizzling sun has you seeking shade when soaking in the sites and sounds of the summer’s seasonal splendor – then you aren’t alone.
The Mojave Desert Tortoise can be a rare site to see out in the open desert, and as summer hits us with hotter daytime temperatures, those tortoises are going to be seeking shelter from the sun – just like us. A car parked in the desert where there isn’t normally shade is an inviting spot for the threatened native species, and even if you’ve left your car for only a few minutes, there could still be a tortoise under the tires when you return.
That’s why you should always check under your car when leaving a wilderness area, or even somewhere as common as a dirt road. I saw my first Mojave tortoise in the wild out on the mesa, where I randomly pulled over on a dirt road to get out and stretch. Not 40 feet from my car was a slow and steady gentleman who blended in so well with his surroundings, that if my passenger hadn’t seen him, I wouldn’t have either.
If you do check under your car and see a tort chilling – say hello and Make sure the tortoise can see you so you don’t startle them – a tortoise in distress will evacuate its water supply to get away quickly – leaving them without an easy way to replenish their hydration.
If you have to move the tortoise to safety, gently pick it up with both hands on the sides of its shell and carry it low and parallel to the ground – find a safe spot with shade to stash the little fellow – like a creosote bush – and keep your eyes peeled as your drive through the desert for more signs of tortoise life.
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