Another Desert Tortoise
Here's another cool desert tortoise I came across while out hiking in the desert:
I was cutting across a mesa out near the Copper Mesa area of Joshua tree, California when I came across a burrow that looked like it might hold a desert tortoise. How can you tell? If it's fairly large (deep) and you look at the top half of a burrow and see it's crecent-shaped like the top of a tortoise's shell, that's a pretty good clue. (frequently you'll also see Desert Burrowing Owls nesting in an old abandoned tortoise burrow too)
Anyway...I stepped back and had just said aloud "I bet that's a desert tortoise home" when I happened to glance to my right and there he was! Sitting under a creosote bush sunning himself in the morning rays. I snapped his picture a few times and went on my way, leaving him to enjoy his day.
Remember they're a federally protected species, so if you come across one, don't take him home! They've been out there thousands of years and are part of the charm and wonder of the desert.
BD
Posted: Monday 20th March 2006, 1:51 PM
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