Hibernation Loss

[KQ6AR]

 I just had my first loss to hiberation, I had 5 2003 russians hibernating in one of the shadier raised beds in my garden. All 5 woke up early, by the time I noticed one had perished. The other 4 are well.

 I'v had over 80 hibernations and this is my first loss, I don't want to discourage anyone from letting them hibernate.

If you live in the San Fransisco bay area or a similar climate, and have any tortoises hibernating outside its a good idea to start checking for them. The other 35 or so hibernating in other parts of my yard are still sleeping.

[Joe H]

Hi Dan
Most of mine are up and acting like its March.
I check all parts of the pens daily from when they first dig in

I've had som out and grazing when it was 30°F
.

[Brian]

Dan, are those the ones in the middle of the grassy area?  The unprotected area?   

I had massive flooding in my yard in that big rain storm.  Also it's been a little warmer then last year I've noticed.