Desert Tortoises, the only land turtles in Nevada, live throughout Gold Butte from the lowest elevations to about 4,500 feet elevation. Tortoise populations are declining throughout much of their range, but they are doing particularly well on the slopes above Mesquite leading into the foothills of the Virgin Mountains.

Desert Tortoises have a moderately domed, brownish shell and after several decades can grow to 14 inches long. Males usually have a long gular projection (extension of the shell below the neck), while females usually have a short one.

Tortoises are most active in the spring when they come out to eat fresh green forbs and flowers. This is also when they seek others of their kind to mate. During hot, dry periods, tortoises mostly stay in their underground burrows. During the cold of winter, they only come out after storms — sometimes in the snow — to drink water.

Desert Tortoises are protected under the Endangered Species Act, so leave them alone unless they are on a road and might be run over. In which case, pick them up with two hands, carry them horizontally as if they were walking, and move them off the road about 100 feet in the direction they were heading. Count yourself lucky to have made contact with such a remarkable creature.

Link to more information on Desert Tortoises.