Mojave Max emerges. Courtesy: Clark CountyLAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
Mojave Max chose Tuesday – possibly the most beautiful day of the year so far – to emerge from his burrow.
For years, the emergence of Max, southern Nevada's famous desert tortoise, has signaled the beginning of spring. His dramatic appearance coincides with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.
Each winter Max brumates (a reptile's version of hibernation) and emerges in the spring. Max's earliest appearance was Feb. 14 in 2005; his latest appearance before today was Apr. 14 back in 2008.
Each year Clark County School District students take part in the Mojave Max Emergence Contest, guessing when he'll show up. This year the winning student will receive a year-long pass to federally managed fee areas and a laptop computer.
For more information, visit www.MojaveMax.com.
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