When will Mojave Max emerge? 2023 contest is still open

While some predict the start of spring with Punxsutawney Phil not seeing his shadow, in Las Vegas, a desert tortoise named Mojave Max decides when he emerges from his burrow at the Springs Preserve.

The annual Mojave Max Emergence Contest is still open for Clark County students in kindergarten through fifth grade enrolled in public, private or registered home schools. Students guess when Max, the mascot of the Desert Conservation Program, emerges after brumation (hibernation for reptiles).

Last year, @MojaveMax emerged from his winter burrow at the Springs Preserve on March 26 at 12:21 p.m. When will he appear this year?! 🐢

K-5 students can still submit their guesses for the exact time and day they think Max will surface. Enter now at https://t.co/EQu18GxN6h. pic.twitter.com/znxkwcLWSy

— Springs Preserve (@SpringsPreserve) March 8, 2023

The student who has the closest guess to the day, hour and minute that Max emerges from his burrow in spring 2023, without going over, will win the contest.

The grand prize winner receives Mojave Max T-shirts for their entire class, Mojave Max medals, a trophy, a pizza party and a field trip to the Springs Preserve to meet the real tortoise.

The student also wins a laptop, a year-long membership to the Springs Preserve, a year-long pass to national parks and federal recreation areas and a backpack with outdoor goods. The student’s teacher also receives a laptop.

Last year, Mojave Max emerged from his burrow on March 26 at 12:21 p.m.

For more information, rules and to enter the contest, visit mojavemax.com/learn/emergence-contest.