It is hibernation time for Desert Tortoises. For more information please read the following from Dr. Todd Driggers, D.V.M.:

Hibernation for Desert Tortoises
When concepts below are followed, hibernation can be done safely. The incidence of death during or shortly after hibernation is higher than at any other time of the year for Desert Tortoises.Questionable health before hibernation lends itself to post-hibernation deathIf or when the tortoise is deemed potentially ill, it should be evaluated further medically by routine blood analysis, x-rays, and potentially cultures.

Tortoises begin the process of hibernation when nighttime temperature drops are into the 60’s for several consistent days. Feeding slows markedly a month or so prior to hibernation.In Arizona this time of slowdown is usually mid-September to mid-October. Supplemental feeding (if started) in a healthy tortoise should stop when natural eating begins to slow down to prepare the bowel for hibernation.

Healthy tortoises should be allowed to naturally hibernate as the process is important for reproductive health, is part of their natural behavior, and probably has other unknown benefits. During hibernation, the decreased temperature causes the body’s natural processes to slow down. As a result, the immune system functions less effectively, making it easier for a tortoise to become ill. Therefore, it is important for a tortoise to have a pre-hibernation exam to ensure overall health. Health can be determined by accessing body weight compared to body measurements, fecal parasite exams, as well as physical exams.

Hibernation is a natural process for a Desert Tortoise. In the wild, mountains, weather, and freedom allow a tortoise to pick an appropriate area in which to hibernate. In a captive back yard environment, selection of an appropriate burrow is significantly limited. Burrow optimization for hibernation requires understanding and implementation of methods to control burrow flooding, excess humidity, and temperature regulation. Hibernation temperature should ideally be 60 degrees or less and always above freezing.

The goal of the hibernating tortoise is to avoid winter freezing and flooding. On the valley floor, the burrow opening direction is not as important as it is in the mountains (the floor of the desert is warmer which is the goal for tortoises in the winter. In the wild, the base of the mountains facing south to west would be the most ideal burrow sites to accomplish both goals. Avoiding flooding can be more challenging on the desert floor in a back yard environment as burrows are often not built out of the flood plane. When roofs are pitched toward the burrow or in a flood area, hibernating tortoises may drown or possibly wake up extremely ill. Outside hibernation should not be attempted in such burrows. Drip and sprinklers systems may also get damaged by the tortoise or develop leaks that will result in the tortoise developing similar problems. Burrows over and around such areas should be avoided.

Hibernation Indoors (not usually recommended):
The process of hibernation can be started outside. When temperature dictates the tortoise’s hibernation activities, it can be collected and brought inside a cooled garage to complete the process. Tortoises can be placed in a cardboard box with shredded paper or hay. Garage temperatures below 60 degrees are adequate for hibernation and result in less weight loss through it. The tortoise can be soaked in a shallow tub of water in order to avoid significant weight loss or dehydration.

Hibernation continues throughout the spring and females begin to come out in April and May. Most males wake up around the same time, although in the wild hibernation is usually about a month longer. Waking up is also a process. Most tortoises begin by drinking only until sufficient enough temperature is achieved to aid in digestion.
The Arizona Desert Tortoise Adoption Program is a unique program that allows residents of Arizona to adopt one of our native species. Desert tortoises have been kept as pets in Arizona for many decades. It is not surprising that so many people find this endearing animal so appealing. Tortoises are highly personable and often appear to interact with people and other animals around them.

We encourage you to consider adopting an Arizona Desert Tortoise but think carefully before you decide to take one of these animals into your home. We have more details in our Arizona Desert Tortoise Packet.

Desert tortoises can live up to 100 years. They grow to be about 15 pounds and hibernate in the winter months. They eat plant material, including grasses, wildflowers and native cactus fruits. Once captive, desert tortoises can not be released back into the wild.

We generally do not believe that desert tortoises should be kept as pets, if by "pet", one means an animal which is frequently handled. Tortoises fare best when handled or disturbed as little as possible, although much enjoyment and understanding of the nature of the desert tortoise can be gained simply by observation of natural behavior.

In order to be considered for the program, here are some general guidelines with more details available in our Arizona Desert Tortoise Packet.

- This is applicable to the Arizona Desert Tortoise, not Desert Tortoises

- Must be over 18 years old and residing in Arizona

- Arizona Desert Tortoises may not leave the state of Arizona

- Only one Arizona Desert Tortoise per household

- Total cost for adoption is $70; this includes a microchip, health screening and registration with AGFD

More information on Arizona Desert Tortoises can be found at the Arizona Game & Fish Web site.

If you live in Tuscon, Kingman or Yuma, please contact your local Arizona Desert Tortoise adoption programs at:

Tuscon (and south)
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
(520)883-3062

Kingman, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City
Arizona Game & Fish Department
(928)692-7700

Yuma (may also adopt to Lake Havasu)
Arizona Game & Fish Department
(925)342-0091

If you are interested in adopting an Arizona Desert Tortoise after reading through the Arizona Desert Tortoise Packet. , you can send in your information to the address below. If you have any questions on the program, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Phoenix Herpetological Society

20701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste 107 PMB 401

Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Attn: Arizona Desert Tortoise Program