Important Things to Consider When Visiting
- The best time to see tortoises is in the morning and evening when they avoid the heat of the day.
- Please bring a hat, water, sunscreen, and close-toed shoes for your adventure on the hiking trails.
- Be cautious of Mojave rattlesnakes while on trail.
- Please leave your pets at home as they are not permitted into the fence at the DTRNA.
DO NOT RELEASE CAPTIVE TORTOISES!!
It is illegal to release captive tortoises or relocate wild tortoises in the natural area or anywhere in the desert. They may carry diseases that could infect resident tortoises. Also, pets do not adjust easily to the desert and are more likely to die from starvation, dehydration, improper burrow preparation, or predation.
ALWAYS CHECK UNDER YOUR CAR AND IN FRONT OF TIRES BEFORE LEAVING THE DTRNA
Tortoises will seek the shelter of any source of shade. Because of this, they can be found avoiding sunlight under the protection of vehicles. Please make sure you check that a tortoise is not hiding under your vehicle before leaving.