Discover How Hikers Work Around the Threatened Desert Tortoise

a keystone species meaning they are essential for the success of the surrounding ecosystem. Other animals and plant life depend on their presence for survival. Without them the desert ecosystem would be completely different or cease to exist altogether.
Spring is the active season for the threatened desert tortoise. The specific dates depend on the weather but they prefer the spring and summer climates. Every year they are active from March to June then again from September to October. The active season is when its necessary for to hikers work around the threatened desert tortoise.
The best times to spot desert tortoises is in early spring from midmorning to midafternoon because they are the warmest parts of the day. As the days get warmer the tortoises will emerge from their burrows earlier in the day and return to them earlier at night. For example by May they are often out and about starting at 6 AM and settling in for sleep by 9 PM.
Outside of the active months they hibernate within their burrows. In fact they hibernate up to nine months yearly starting when the ground temperatures drop to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can occasionally spot them on early summer mornings following thunderstorms. Summer storms enrich their food supply allowing them to feast on the greenery and replenish their water reserve before returning to their burrow to rest.
Sometimes they briefly emerge from their slumbers on warm sunny days in late fall or winter. On days like this you can find them just at the mouth of their burrows.
How Hikers Work Around the Threatened Desert Tortoise
Typically hikers work around the threatened desert tortoise by leaving them alone.
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Hikers exploring the Mojave Desert and the Sonora Desert are the most likely to cross a desert tortoise. Although these reptiles spend most of their lives in underground burrows or camouflaged as rocks they cross the desert for food water and mating.
Many popular trails take travelers on foot or bike right through mostly untouched parts of the desert where they live. As a result its possible to find yourself beside one basking in the sun.
So how do hikers work around the threatened desert tortoise? The best thing to do is leave them alone.
Taking a quick picture is fine but stay a respectable distance away. After a few moments they will amble off to get away from you and continue their mission. Make sure to move slowly and