Desert tortoises are a threatened species, protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and Nevada Administrative Code.  Tortoises seen in the wild or found on construction sites must not be intentionally or knowingly harmed, harassed or killed.   

What do I do if I find a desert tortoise the wild?

If you see tortoises in the wild or in undeveloped area do not touch them or disturb them.  If the tortoise is in immediate danger from road traffic, you may pick it up, hold it level, and move it several yards beyond the road edge in the direction in which the tortoise was heading.  Otherwise, wild tortoises are not to be touched.  If you mistakenly removed a tortoise from the wild call the Wild Desert Tortoise Assistance Line at 702-593-9027 to schedule a collection time, free of charge.  

What do I do if I find a desert tortoise on a construction site?

If a tortoise is spotted on your construction site, you must collect the tortoise in a gentle and humane manner.  The tortoise should be placed in a clean, well ventilated container, such as a cardboard box, and kept in a dry area with moderate temperature.  Call the Wild Desert Tortoise Assistance Line at 702-593-9027 to schedule a collection time for the tortoise.  Staff will collect the tortoise free of charge.  The tortoise will be okay without food, but you can offer it a drink of water in a shallow dish.  Tortoises cannot be kept for personal use.  

What do I do if I see someone take a desert tortoise from the wild?

If you have witnessed the improper treatment of a tortoise, such as its removal from the desert, call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Office at 702-388-6380.  For immediate response to any desert violation, please call toll free 1-877-293-8998.    

Remember, no matter where you find them, desert tortoises cannot be kept for personal use.  

For more information on desert tortoises, please visit our Tortoise Information page (http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/Depts/dcp/Services/Pages/TortoiseInformation.aspx)