Overview
- Mojave Max, the Las Vegas–area desert tortoise, surfaced from brumation, a reptile’s winter slowdown, in his latest appearance on record.
- Clark County said the emergence signals spring-like weather and longer daylight for Southern Nevada.
- Local station KSNV reported the delay followed wild swings in temperature, bouts of rain and wind, and Max sharing a burrow with three tortoises that settled in later.
- The long-running school contest to predict his first sighting will soon name a winner, with prizes that include a Springs Preserve membership, a family national parks pass and a laptop.
- The ritual fits a broader tradition of animal season-watchers, with Punxsutawney Phil serving as the best-known example.