Mojave Max signals arrival of spring weather

Mojave Max emerged from his burrow at the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center Tuesday afternoon, marking the unofficial start of spring weather for Southern Nevada.

The desert tortoise’s emergence from his winter hibernation marks the beginning of warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. Those factors, and an internal clock, contribute to his emergence every year, according to a spokeswoman for Clark County.

The conservation center, in the southwest valley near the Mountain’s Edge community, is housing Mojave Max while his habitat at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is being renovated.