Mojave Max Sets New Emergence Record for 2025
Mojave Max, the iconic desert tortoise and mascot of the Clark County Desert Conservation Program, has once again made headlines by setting a new record for his late emergence from brumation. This year’s performance marks the second time in three years that he has broken his own latest emergence record.
A Springtime Tradition
Each year, students within the Clark County School District participate in an entertaining contest predicting the exact time and date Max will emerge from his underground burrow at the Springs Preserve. After a period of brumation, or hibernation typical for reptiles, his emergence symbolizes the official start of spring for many in the Las Vegas area.
Record-Breaking Emergence
On April 24, 2023, Mojave Max broke the record with an emergence at 3:40 p.m., and as of now, he has not yet made his anticipated debut for 2025. His late arrival this season indicates that he may surpass his previous latest emergence record of April 17, 2012, when he emerged at 12:41 p.m.
Conditions Affecting Emergence
The environmental conditions surrounding Max’s hibernation have played a crucial role in his late emergence. Similar weather patterns to those in 2023 seem to have kept him in his burrow longer this year. As reported via his Instagram account, he remains in a “very deep burrow” accompanied by two other tortoises, further delaying his appearance.
Katrina Smith, senior zoologist at the Springs Preserve and Max’s caregiver, reiterated in 2023 that the tortoise must experience warmer spring temperatures from his burrow before he will emerge. Recent cooler temperatures and winds could extend his slumber, according to updates from his social media manager.
Competing Tortoises
Mojave Max is not the only notable tortoise in Nevada this spring. Carson, a tortoise residing at the Governor’s Mansion in Carson City, has already emerged, winning the title for earliest emergence among the state’s tortoise mascots.
Health and Wellness
Prior to his hibernation, Max underwent a routine veterinary check and “passed with flying colors,” alleviating any concerns about his extended stay underground. Once he emerges, he will receive another health check before engaging with the winner of the Mojave Max Emergence Contest at the Springs Preserve.
For more updates on Max and his journey, follow him on social media and stay tuned for his upcoming emergence as Las Vegas welcomes spring.
Contact Taylor Lane at [email protected]. Politics reporter Jessica Hill contributed to this report.