Did you know that the two-headed snake is a harmless gopher snake? If you think it looks frightening, you’re right. The gopher snake is a slow-moving, non-venomous snake, which can imitate a rattlesnake very well. When alerted to danger, the snake coils, up, vibrates its tail and hisses a warning, making himself appear to be a rattlesnake. The Gopher snake can even flatten its head, resembling a rattler even more. This will scare off many predators.
The other snake is called a Northern Pacific Rattlesnake. This is one creature that people shouldn’t mess with. The rattlesnake has an acute sense of smell and ability to sense temperatures higher than its own surroundings. Skin color may vary from dark gray, olive, yellowish-brown, to brown or black.
Generally active from April through September, the rattlesnake may emerge earlier and range later in warm weather. It is generally inactive or in a state of hibernation from November through February. During the spring the snake prowls I the morning and late afternoon. During summer the snake alternately basks and seeks shade.
Snake bite First Aid:
Calm the victim. Gently wash the bite area with soap and water. Remove any watches or rings which may constrict swelling. Go quickly to the nearest emergency facility.
Don’t apply a tourniquet. Don’t pack the bite area in ice or ice water. Don’t cut the wound with a knife or razor. Don’t suck out the venom by mouth.
When hiking, always wear hiking boats. Do not hike barefoot or in sandals. Snakes usually strike at people’s feet, ankles or hands.
#2 Can you identify these three different lizards? Which one is the iguana, the gecko and the chuckwalla? What do you know about them?
The first lizard is called a Chuckwalla. This is a large (11 – 16 “) potbellied lizard with loose folds of skin around the neck and shoulders. The males have a black head, forelegs and front portion of the tail. The females and young tend to be cross-banded with gray and yellow.
The chuckwalla lives in SE California, Southern Nevada, Utah, Western Arizona and Mexico.
The second lizard is called the Green Iguana. They range in size from 40 – 79”. Iguanas are sometimes kept as pets, but they are more difficult to tame and care for than the gecko. Iguanas are not for the inexperienced reptile owner.
They are native to Central and South America. They are most frequently seen in large trees with dense canopies, especially in humid areas. They seem to prefer trees overhanging water.
The third reptile is called the gecko. Geckos are easy to care for and make great pets. They can be easily tamed and are much smaller then iguanas.
# 3 This reptile beat the hare in a race, but he’s not very fast. Which animal is it?
The tortoise, of course! This particular tortoise is called the Desert Tortoise. There are 3 different species of tortoises in the United States and a fourth is found in Mexico. The desert tortoise is found in the Mojave and Colorado/Sonoran desert of California, southern Nevada, Arizona, SW Utah and in Mexico.
Tortoises in California feed on annual wildflowers, annual and perennial grasses and fresh pads and buds of species of cactus.
#4 Speaking of tortoises, do you know the difference between a tortoise and a turtle?
In the United States, the following distinction is made between the terms turtle and tortoise:
A tortoise is a land swelling turtle with a high domed shell and columnar, elephant-shaped hid legs. Tortoises go to water only to drink or bather.
In contrast, the word turtle is used for other turtles: pond turtles, river turtles, box turtles, musk turtles, sea turtles, etc.
(Taken from “Commonly Asked Questions about the Desert Tortoise and Answers”, by Kristin H. Berry)
#5 If we didn’t have snakes, we would be standing in 4 feet of………..
Yes, these furry little rodents are the delicacy of most snakes! Although it’s difficult to think of these poor little creatures being devoured as pink, hairless infants, we wouldn’t want to be over run by them either!
#6 This unusual looking lizard has bright blue legs and a bright blue tail. Can you guess its name?
This is the Orange-Throated Whiptail. Tiny little things, they range in size from 2 – 2.83 inches long. They are a distinctive species with five or six light colored stripes down a black, brown or gray dorsal side.
This lizard walks with a distinctive, jerking gait. They are commonly found south of the Tijuana River on the mesa tops and steep slopes in the maritime succulent scrub.
I hope you enjoyed this Reptile Dig from Napa Street School!
Plant Dig #1 There are many parts of a plant. How many parts can you name? (after you get to this site, click on “Click here to view this site”, then choose the topic that you need to answer the question.)
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#2 Of course, you recognize the California state flower, the Ca. Poppy.How do plants grow? What do they need?
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#3 Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make their own food. But how do they do that?
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#4 Do you like popcorn? How about beans? These seeds are called mocots and dicots.You eat mocots and dicots every day. What is the difference?
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#5 What are the parts of a seed that protect the baby seed?
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#6 We wouldn’t have such beautiful flowers without pollination. What is pollination?
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#7 What is germination?
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