LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — At long last, a familiar shell returns to Las Vegas!
As of May 10 at 12:50 p.m., Mojave Max made his official appearance out of brumation, marking his latest emergence to date. According to the Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES), this indicates that spring-like weather is set to start in the valley.
Local News
Mojave Max breaks record for longest brumation second year in a row
Mojave Max's previous late record sat at May 8, 2:09 p.m. in 2025. DES shared that "the recent extreme fluctuation in temperatures, rain and wind contributed to [his] late emergence this year."
We asked you earlier this week on social media when you thought Mojave Max would head out of his burrow — and two viewers made a bid for today early in the morning, narrowly missing the window for his official exit.
Locals aren't the only ones with their eyes on Mojave Max's tardiness, though. Since 2000, elementary students across Clark County have been placing their guesses into his emergence date. This year, officials have over 3,500 submissions to sift through, with a winner soon to be chosen. Last year, 4th grader Joana got closest with a prediction for 2 p.m. on May 8, 2025.
“For the second year in a row, Mojave Max set a new emergence record. Throughout the ‘25-‘26 school year, the Mojave Max team delivered our message of Respect, Protect, and Enjoy our desert to over 10,000 students throughout Clark County schools and the homeschool community. We are looking forward to reaching even more students and community members as the program continues to evolve”. — Marci Henson, director of the Clark County Department of Environment and Sustainability.
