Desert Tortoise

The desert tortoise is the largest native turtle in the United States.  

It is a gentle creature capable of surviving the extreme conditions

 of its habitat like no other in its species.  

For various reasons, including their low rate of reproduction 

and frequent encounters with humans, the desert tortoise has become quite rare.  

Although the average life span is thirty-five years, the desert tortoise is known

 to live for up to one hundred years. 

 It is most active when it rains and is searching for food. 

 Otherwise, this shelled reptile spends the majority of its life in hibernation.

  It does this to escape the loss of body water and for protection from the heat of summer and the cold of winter. 

The desert tortoise’s high-domed shell allows for lung thermoregulation. 

It can also resist excess urination and live without consuming water for more than a year. 

 Unfortunately, if it finds itself overturned, it must right itself quickly or die.  

What the desert tortoise teaches is the importance of avoiding situations 

altogether when they pose a danger to your well-being.  

Under these circumstances, it’s important for you to take cover.  

It is always best to avoid locations and people that you know are linked to trouble.  

Without your shell ~ which is your common sense ~ you are vulnerable.  

Fortunately, when you respect your instinctive shield, you’ll find protection.  (S. Finelli)