PHOENIX β Arizona wildlife officials are looking for good homes for nearly 100 desert tortoises.
The state Game and Fish's Department's tortoise adoption program says the tortoises are available for adoption by residents who can provide securely enclosed yards or enclosures in the species' native range.
That range covers desert areas in southern, central and western Arizona, including the Phoenix, Bullhead City, Kingman, Prescott, Lake Havasu, Tucson and Yuma areas.
Wildlife Education Program Manager Mike Demlong says most of the tortoises were surrendered pets and that others include ones unclaimed after being found in residential areas.
Yards or enclosures to be used by adopted tortoises can't have hazards such as dogs, fire pits and unfenced pool but need a shelter for the tortoise to escape extreme temperatures.
Visit the website here to learn more about the program.
