OCR Text |
Show AMNESTY FOR TORTOISE OWNERS The Division of Wildlife Resource has issued an offer of-fer ofvamnesty to those people peo-ple who have a desert tortoise tor-toise in their possession. The desert tortoise has been protected by state law since May, 1971. Al Heggen, the Division's research chief, said persons can turn the desert tortoises in to assist as-sist in a reestablishment project. Regional offices or conservation officers can verify species and accept the Utah natives species. Tortoises Tor-toises will be accepted April 1 through 30. The reptiles willbe stocked stock-ed in areas from which they have nearly been eliminated in Washington county. Before the 1971 protection, many tortoises were taken for the pet trade, resulting in almost complete decimation of the population in certain areas. Most western states offer similar protection and also prohibit importation and exportation. |