Under authority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is legal to have a pet desert tortoise as long as you didn’t take it from the wild. All desert tortoises in Nevada, whether in captivity or not, are considered wildlife and therefore belong to the people of the State of Nevada.

Can you own a desert tortoise in Nevada?

Under authority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is legal to have a pet desert tortoise as long as you didn’t take it from the wild. All desert tortoises in Nevada, whether in captivity or not, are considered wildlife and therefore belong to the people of the State of Nevada.

Are tortoises illegal in Nevada?

The Mojave desert tortoise is listed as a threatened species, and is protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and Nevada Administrative Code (NAC 50.080). It is illegal to remove a desert tortoise from the wild.

How hot is too hot for desert tortoise?

Still, just like humans can get too hot, there is such a thing as “too much” for tortoises as well. The preferred environmental temperature for tortoises is 30 degrees Celsius (around 86 degrees F), so if their environment goes any higher than that, they might turn lethargic.

How cold is too cold for a desert tortoise?

Anything less than 50 °F (10 °C) is too cold for a desert tortoise, except during hibernation, when the low temperature will need to be closely monitored and regulated.

How do you keep a desert tortoise as a pet?

In order to thrive, adult desert tortoises must be kept outdoors in a large area. They should be provided with shelter from the sun and cold, and a place to retire at night. They need plenty of room to exercise and browse. If possible, give them the run of your entire yard.

Is it illegal to touch a desert tortoise?

It is unlawful to touch, harm, harass or collect a wild desert tortoise. Keep your distance if you ever see a desert tortoise in the wild. When frightened they will empty their bladder, and the loss of water can be fatal to the tortoise.

What to do if you find a tortoise in your backyard?

Keep the tortoise in a box or plastic tote with some hay, straw, shredded paper, or blankets. Keep the tortoise away from pets or children. Because the tortoise may be dehydrated or hungry, soak the tortoise in a container filled with about a half-inch of water.

Can you keep desert tortoise?

The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is endangered in the wild and is protected under Federal and State laws. It is illegal to buy or sell desert tortoises, or to take them from the desert.

How often should I feed my desert tortoise?

For the first year sulcatas should be fed daily,thereafter 3 times weekly. Remembering this tortoise comes from the sub-Sahara where habitat is semi-desert and where food is not always plentiful. Overfeeding these enormous eaters in captivity will cause problems.

Do tortoises need shade?

Tortoises and turtles need shade and shelter to protect them from extreme temperatures. By providing them with the same protection from the heat and the sun that they would have in the wild, you can ensure that they can safely enjoy the summer.

Should I bring my tortoise in at night?

You can leave your tortoise in its burrow if the nighttime temperature does not drop below 40°F. Cover the burrow opening at night with a blanket to retain the heat. A thermometer in the burrow can be a big help. If the temperature gets cold (below 40ºF ), or windy, bring the tortoise in for the night.