Joshua Tree National Park asks visitors to watch out for wildlife

Joshua Tree National Park is asking visitors, specifically those who are driving in the park, to look out for wildlife on the roadways and in parking lots.

In the past week, three desert tortoises have been killed by vehicles. Two of the tortoises were run over by vehicles in a campground.

According to park officials, there are two main factors that are contributing to these latest incidents. The increase in the numbers of visitors to the park over the last couple years, which has caused more traffic. The second factor has to do with the park currently being in bloom, this causes a bounty of food to be available in the desert, which entices animals like the desert tortoise go out so they can enjoy all the food.

In the wild, desert tortoises live to be around 50 years old, with varying estimates of lifespan from 50-80 years.

They are listed as a “threatened” species and the park regularly monitors the tortoise population within its borders.

Park officials want to remind the public to drive with caution and be on the lookout for not only tortoises but any and all wildlife in the park. Objects that may look like a rock or branch on the road could be one of the park’s resident critters. Slow down, look out and help reduce wildlife fatalities.