Male desert tortoise heading east about to cross Oracle road! Rescued him just in time. Relocated to Pima Canyon wash just up the road where water was present. He moved on to cover after releasing him. No injuries and did not lose water.
As I was traveling north on this road (which parallels the San Pedro River), I saw this little tortoise crossing the road. After taking a few photos, I gently moved him to the side of the road, in the direction he was traveling. It was late in the day (about 3 p.m.), and about 92 degrees F. Humidity was high, and rain had fallen 4 days previously. He was moving from the river side to the uplands.
The tortoises are on the move, following late summer rains 2 days ago. This little one was wandering down the middle of the river crossing. The back of his shell near his tail was chipped off, and I couldn't see a tail.
Right by the edge of the Paradise Trail just south of the Gateway Loop. In sandy wash. No movement.
Female; many pairs on lake, but too far away to photograph.
Female; many pairs on lake, but too far away to photograph.