Take it from the tortoise: Spring has sprung, folks

Mojave Max, Southern Nevada’s famed desert tortoise, has emerged from his burrow at Springs Preserve just in time for the weekend.

Max marked the unofficial start of spring when he stepped out of his burrow at 11:11 a.m. Friday, according to a statement from Clark County.

The earliest he has emerged was Feb. 14, 2005, at 11:55 a.m. The latest he has emerged is April 17, 2012, at 12:41 pm.

“Warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours and his own internal clock are factors known to contribute to his emergence every year,” according to the county’s statement.