Important information on the Desert Tortoise

Anything relating to desert tortoises in the course of this race or organized event must be reported to the Contact Representative for desert tortoises, a person who has been designated by the promoter of this race or event. See the race promoter or event organizer for more information.

Tortoises found on or near the race course, or primary area of activity, must be moved out of harm's way by the desert tortoise Contact Representative.

Injured or dead tortoises must be reported to the Contact Representative.

It is illegal to bother the desert tortoise in any way, apart from moving an animal from imminent harm, which anyone may legally do.

While it is illegal to remove desert tortoises from the wild, it is perfectly legal to keep a tortoise which is already a family per, and it is legal to keep its offspring. It is further legal to obtain a desert tortoise as a pet by contacting the California Turtle and Tortoise Club (see below).

Those desert tortoises which are already family pets must be registered with the California Department of Fish and Game by contacting its desert tortoise registration agents, Gary and Ginger Wilfong, of the California Turtle and Tortoise Club (telephone 510-886-2946); to register a pet tortoise, send them a self-addressed, stamped envelope. They are also available to provide general information on the feeding and care of these animals.

Please contact them at:

Gary and Ginger Wilfong
California Turtle and Tortoise Club
P.O. Box 20005
Castro Valley, Ca 94546-0005