Mojave Max signals winter is over and finally emerges from burrow

EnvironmentLifestyle
11 May 2026 • 10:01 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Mojave Max signals winter is over and finally emerges from burrow

  • Mojave Max, a renowned tortoise weather prognosticator in Nevada, emerged from his burrow on Sunday, May 10, marking the official end of winter.
  • His emergence at 2 p.m. local time set a new record for his latest appearance, surpassing his previous late record.
  • Max's reappearance traditionally signals the arrival of spring, warmer temperatures, and longer daylight hours in Southern Nevada.
  • His delayed emergence this year was attributed to extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, wind, and sharing his burrow with other tortoises.
  • Elementary school students participate in an annual contest to predict Max's emergence, with the winner, their class, and teacher receiving various prizes.

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