DO'S

	Enjoy the tortoise at a distance with binoculars, respecting that it is a wild animal. By keeping a distance, you will reduce stress to the tortoise. When a tortoise is frightened by an approaching person, it may release the contents of its bladder. Tortoises store water in the bladder and can reabsorb it during dry seasons. The loss of water can place the tortoise under unnecessary stress or contribute to early death.
	If you remain still and quiet, the tortoise may approach you and rest in your shade.
	Check under your car before driving away. Often a tortoise will seek the shade of a car and be next to the wheels.
	Be careful around tortoise burrows. The roof can be very thin near the opening and it is possible for you to trample the burrow, tortoise, or any nests. Do not walk on or near the burrow opening.
	During summer and fall thunder showers, drive slowly on desert roads, especially the dirt and paved roads with little traffic. During rain storms, tortoises can be quite active and come to roads to drink the pooled water.
	Follow the rules for the area: drive only on designated roads, camp in appropriate areas, be careful with fire, and take your trash out with you.
	Report violations of law to the appropriate authorities.

DON'T'S

	Please do not handle the tortoises. State and Federal laws prohibit touching, handling or any type of harassment. Handling may also harm the tortoises because they may release the contents of their bladders.
	Do not move close to photograph the tortoise with your camera, but instead use a telephoto lens.
	Do not try to "pose" a tortoise for a picture. If you approach too closely, you might frighten or stress the tortoise.
	Do not pull tortoises out of burrows or cover sites.
	Do not drive off-road, unless you are in a designated open area.
	Do not let your dogs run unsupervised in desert tortoise habitat.
	Do not damage or remove desert vegetation or other features.
	Do not release any tortoises into the desert.
	Do not move tortoises from one place to another.