We have a wide variety of fascinating wildlife here at the ranch, including an abundance of lizards. It’s quite common to encounter these creatures as we go about our daily activities. For instance, whenever we take a stroll down the path, we can expect to see at least three lizards scurrying across our way. On any given day, we are likely to observe 25 to 30 lizards running around – they’re truly a ubiquitous presence in our environment.
The majority of the lizards we come across are of the harmless variety, with most being blue-belly lizards or closely related types. However, we have also encountered what I call a “snake lizard.” This particular lizard resembles a snake and moves in a manner very similar to a slither – it’s a fascinating sight! Although generally harmless, the snake lizard can deliver a painful bite if provoked. As a result, we tend to give them their space, and they usually move away on their own without any issues.
In addition to the lizards, we also share our surroundings with different snake species, including king snakes, gopher snakes, and rattlesnakes. While the first two are harmless, the rattlesnake is not. This means we always need to remain cautious when picking things up outdoors or navigating bushy paths. Despite our proximity to these creatures, I’ve had relatively few encounters. In fact, the only time I came across a snake, it was a saddening sight – a lifeless snake lying by the side of the road, likely a victim of a car tire. On other occasions, I’ve only stumbled upon the discarded skins that these reptiles have shed, which is an intriguing find in itself.
