ARIZONA NEWS

Wildlife officials warn against disturbing wild desert tortoises

Jul 24, 2024, 4:15 AM | Updated: 6:35 am

Desert tortoises: Do not disturb, AZGFD warns the public...

The Arizona Game and Fish Department urges the public to keep desert tortoises wild. (AZGFD photo)

(AZGFD photo)

PHOENIX — With monsoon rains bringing out desert wildlife in Arizona, wild desert tortoises may wander as a necessity to search for mates, moisture and escape flooding.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) urges the public to follow these measures if an encounter with a wild desert tortoise occurs:

  • Keep wild desert tortoises wild
  • Don’t release a captive desert tortoise into the wild
  • Keep dogs away from desert tortoises
  • Call AZGFD if encounter occurs

Taking a wild desert tortoise home is illegal in Arizona. Nonetheless, releasing a captive desert tortoise into the wild is also illegal.

“We cannot stress enough how detrimental it is to let a captive tortoise go free in the wild,” Chad Rubke, AZGFD’s turtles project coordinator, said. “Captive desert tortoises cannot be released into the wild, as they can pass diseases to wild populations and displace wild tortoises.”

However, it is possible to adopt a desert tortoise.

If a desert tortoise is seen crossing a busy road or simply out in the open, report it to AZGFD’s Tortoise Adoption Program hotline at 1-844-896-5730.

“A tortoise in the road is simply trying to get to the other side, and the best thing anyone can do is to leave it in the wild,” Rubke said.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona News

Scottsdale Airport...

Danny Shapiro

1 dead, 3 injured after Mötley Crüe band member’s plane crashes at Scottsdale Airport

One person died, and 4 others were injured after a plane belonging to a Mötley Crüe band member crashed on the runway at Scottsdale Airport on Monday afternoon, according to reporting by ABC15.

6 hours ago

drug bust...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Police arrest 5 suspects in social media drug ring

Five suspects took part in a social media drug ring and were arrested for trafficking military style weapons, firearms and drugs.

6 hours ago

Brady Fire...

Danny Shapiro

Brady Fire forces evacuations for residents south of Prescott

The Brady Fire that sparked Monday afternoon forced evacuations for some residents south of Prescott, authorities said.

8 hours ago

new Surprise fire department West Valley Arizona...

Serena O'Sullivan

Surprise completes 1 new fire station, buys land for another

Surprise Fire Station 309, the new Surprise fire department at the north side of Cactus Road at Perryville Road, became operational last week.

11 hours ago

Republican state Rep. Matt Gress is questioning the legality of the lease-purchase deal that bailed...

Kevin Stone

Arizona lawmaker raises questions about legality of Isaac School District lease-purchase deal

An Arizona lawmaker is questioning the legality of the lease-purchase deal that bailed the Isaac School District out of its financial crisis last month.

13 hours ago

research funding...

Kevin Stone

Arizona joins lawsuit to stop Trump research funding cuts that could cost state millions

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined a multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration to protect medical and public health research funding.

14 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Wildlife officials warn against disturbing wild desert tortoises