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Reptiles |
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The Blues |
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Western Fence Lizards can be found darting over fallen logs and sunning themselves atop chunks of basalt. If you are lucky, you might see the males flashing their blue throats and bellies as they defend their territory. However, if you notice a neon blue tail, it probably belongs to a Western Skink. Some scientist hypothesize that the bright blue tail draws the attention of attackers. When the skink is attacked, it will drop it's tail and run away. Both Western Fence Lizards and Western Skinks can regenerate their tails. |
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Western Fence Lizard |
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Blues Clues |
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Western Fence Lizard Photograph |
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Western Fence Lizard Information And Photographs |
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Western Skink Information And Photograph |
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Snakes |
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Snakes live in all parts of the preserve, take time to respectfully observe them. Western Aquatic Garter Snakes can be found in the moist grasses surrounding the vernal pool feeding on frogs, salamanders, slugs, and worms. Rubber Boas can be found in the leaf litter hunting for mice and lizards. Using their prehensile tails, Rubber Boas can climb into the bushes to hunt for birds. Rattlesnakes are not the monsters they are made out to be! They are generally shy and fearful of humans. While their bite is poisonous, rattlesnakes do not eat people! They eat mice, squirrels, rabbits, lizards, and an occasional bird. |
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Rubber Boa |
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When Hiking In Snake Country |
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* Always wear boots or closed toe shoes while hiking.
* Be aware that snakes often take shelter under rocks or logs. Be alert as you hike.
* Should you encounter a snake, be still. If you must move, back away slowly. Most often the snake will wish to get away from you. A coiled snake can strike a distance of up to two thirds its body length. No not take chances.
* Do not poke, prod, or otherwise harass snakes. More than half of the people bitten by rattlesnakes have first provoked the snake!
Never pick up a rattlesnake, not even a dead one. The bite reflex can remain active after death!
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Watch this space for soon to arrive snake and turtle thematic units! |
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Reptile Lesson Plans |
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Reptile Adaptations (4-5) |
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Snakes (6-8) |
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All About Turtles |
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