Mojave Max, a famous tortoise weather prognosticator from Nevada, has finally emerged from his burrow, breaking the previous record for his latest appearance and signalling that spring is on its way. Max officially came out on Sunday, May 10, just after 2 p.m. local time, surpassing his previous late record set on May 8, 2025.
His reappearance typically marks the beginning of spring-like weather in Southern Nevada. Clark County noted in a Facebook post that 'Mojave Max's brumation and emergence is based on an internal body thermometer that dates back millions of years. The emergence is a sign of the arrival of spring and warmer temperatures in the area.'
Southern Nevada has experienced extreme temperature fluctuations this year, along with rain and wind, which contributed to Max's late emergence. He also shared a burrow with three other tortoises that entered brumation after he did, further delaying his arrival.
Local elementary school students participate in the annual Mojave Max Emergence Contest, predicting when the tortoise will appear. The winner receives a year-long membership to the Springs Preserve, a family national parks pass, and a laptop. The winning student's class also gets medals, T-shirts, a trophy, a pizza party, and a chance to meet Mojave Max.
