UTAH, Jan. 26, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — Desert tortoises always observe dry January (and dry February–December, for that matter), says a news release from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
It’s a neat trick that allows them to survive in Utah’s arid climate.
“This species is able to survive in very dry habitats by using their burrows to help limit their activity,” the news release says. “This helps them reduce their energy expenditure (and water usage) during hot temperatures or drought conditions.”
They also use their urinary bladders as water reservoirs.
“Their waste is diluted so that water from their bladder may be reabsorbed during times of drought,” the statement says, perhaps oversharing on a toilet topic.
“Handling wild tortoises can potentially harm them because they will often empty their bladders when picked up or moved by people. This can lead to them becoming severely dehydrated because they lost the additional water they were storing.”
Got it.
“If you see a desert tortoise in the wild — and it’s not on a road or in danger — do not pick it up. Leaving it on the ground could help keep it hydrated and maybe save its life.”