Breaking News:

LOCAL NEWS

DWR: Tortoises illegally removed from the wild up for adoption, applications open

Sep 16, 2022, 10:28 AM | Updated: Jun 25, 2024, 2:00 pm

...

SALT LAKE CITY — Have you ever wanted to own a tortoise? The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources currently has several desert tortoises available for adoption and is accepting applications.

Mojave desert tortoises are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1990. They federally protected under state law and in Utah, it is illegal to collect them or remove them from the wild.

The tortoises up for adoption were removed illegally and are now in DWR’s possession for a variety of reasons:

  • Someone illegally removed a desert tortoise from the wild.
  • A wild tortoise wandered into an urban area or was found outside its native range where it would not survive.
  • Someone was illegally housing a desert tortoise. If a desert tortoise owner moves from another state into Utah, they must apply for the proper certifications in order to bring their tortoise with them; otherwise, they must return the tortoise to an approved adoption facility within their previous state.
  • A wild tortoise that was adopted is being surrendered due to the family relocating.

“Removing tortoises from the wild can harm wild populations by reducing their ability to reproduce and sustain themselves on the landscape,” DWR wildlife biologist Ann McLuckie said. “Tortoises that are removed from the wild cannot be released back into the wild, due to a risk of introducing diseases, especially if they’ve been kept in a home with other animals. They are susceptible to a density-dependent disease called upper respiratory tract disease, which presents like pneumonia.”

Mojave desert tortoises are native to areas north and west of the Colorado River in Arizona, Utah, Nevada and California.

The Utah Desert Tortoise Adoption Program began in the 1990s after tortoises were placed on the Endangered Species list. This year, the DWR has almost 20 desert tortoises that are now available for adoption. If you are interested in adopting a tortoise, you should do the following:

  • Submit an application to tortoise@utah.gov and pay the $10 handling fee.
  • Design a safe outdoor and indoor environment for a tortoise, following the DWR guidelines.
  • Once you are approved for an adoption, you will pay the $75 certificate of registration fee.
  • Be aware that tortoises can live 60-70 years, and note that you are responsible for all veterinarian costs.
  • Note that you must live in Utah to adopt a desert tortoise from the DWR, and you can’t live in Washington, Kane or Iron counties.

“Captive tortoises make great pets,” McLuckie said. “They have their own unique personality, they will gladly eat the weeds in your backyard and they are fairly independent as long as they have shade and food. They also hibernate for roughly five months out of the year, making them a fairly low-maintenance pet.”

“Future challenges that threaten tortoise populations include disease from introductions of exotic pets, wildfires — primarily due to the invasion of exotic grasses — and habitat loss from continued development,” McLuckie said. “In partnership with federal, state and local agencies, our focus includes restoring habitat that has been impacted by wildfires, protecting habitat from degradation and translocating tortoises from developed areas into designated sites within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

A U.S. Coast Guard boat, left, and a U.S. Navy boat work near Shelter Island after a U.S. Navy plan...

Garna Mejia

Utahns witness San Diego military jet crash, service members rescued from ocean

A group of Utahns witnessed the military jet crash in the San Diego Bay on Wednesday, and they were on a private fishing boat that rescued the two service members involved.

48 minutes ago

A new bill being debated this legislative session could provide hundreds of more high school kids w...

Dan Rascon

New Utah bill could provide technical education to hundreds more high school students

A new bill being debated this legislative session could open the door for hundreds of more high school kids to technical careers—before they graduate.

11 hours ago

One man is dead after police said a stabbing took place between two men in Cedar City Wednesday....

Carlysle Price

One man killed in stabbing, another in police custody, deputies say

One man is dead after police said a stabbing took place between two men in Cedar City Wednesday.

11 hours ago

Snow in Little Cottonwood Canyon...

Brian Carlson

Troopers urge caution to holiday travelers as winter storms move in

An incoming storm ahead of Presidents' Day weekend could be a bad combination for holiday travelers.

12 hours ago

Snow covers the mountains during an early season snowstorm in Little Cottonwood Canyon on Thursday,...

Simone Seikaly

Experts issue winter storm warning for Wasatch Back, Park City

Weather forecasters are predicting a winter storm will move into Utah on Thursday and that it will stick around through Saturday.

12 hours ago

The Utah State Capitol stands in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session on Tues...

Daniella Rivera

‘Damaging’ sexual assault language removed from crime data collection bill

A section in a crime data collection bill filed two weeks ago had sexual assault survivors, experts and advocates sounding alarm bells.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

DWR: Tortoises illegally removed from the wild up for adoption, applications open