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Exploring the beautiful nature of California


California Nature:  Reptiles


California is a large state, the 3rd largest in the U.S.A., and depending on where you go, can range broadly in habitat type and, also, climate. For this reason, California plays host to a huge variety of fauna. From river otters and minks to bobcats, pikas, and flying squirrels, California boasts a diverse and intriguing fauna. But many of these animals can be secretive, shy, and nocturnal and observing them in the wild can be difficult. Most zoos are not only great places to get up close to wildlife, but many are also doing their part to bolster dwindling populations of animals still living free in the wild.

Of the 48 conterminous states, California embraces the greatest diversity of climate and terrain. The state's six life zones are the lower Sonoran (desert); upper Sonoran (foothill regions and some coastal lands); transition (coastal areas and moist northeastern counties); and the Canadian, Hudsonian, and Arctic zones, comprising California's highest elevations.
A variety of snakes and other reptiles can be found in California nature Mammals found in the deserts of the lower Sonoran zone include the jackrabbit, kangaroo rat, squirrel, and opossum. The Texas night owl, roadrunner, cactus wren, and various species of hawk are common birds, and the sidewinder, desert tortoise, and horned toad represent the area's reptilian life.

The upper Sonoran zone is home to such mammals as the antelope, brown-footed woodrat, and ring-tailed cat. Birds distinctive to this zone are the California thrasher, bush tit, and California condor.

Animal life is abundant amid the forests of the transition zone. Colombian black-tailed deer, black bear, gray fox, cougar, bobcat, and Roosevelt elk are found. Garter snakes and rattlesnakes are common, as are such amphibians as the water-puppy and redwood salamander. The kingfisher, chickadee, towhee, and hummingbird represent the bird life of this region.
Mammals of the Canadian zone include the mountain weasel, snowshoe hare, Sierra chickaree, and several species of chipmunk. Conspicuous birds include the blue-fronted jay, Sierra hermit thrush, water ouzel, and Townsend solitaire. Birds become scarcer as one ascends to the Hudsonian zone, and the wolverine is now regarded as rare.

Only one bird is native to the high Arctic region, the Sierra rosy finch, but others often visit, including the hummingbird and Clark nutcracker. Principal mammals of this region are also visitors from other zones; the Sierra coney and white-tailed jackrabbit make their homes here. The bighorn sheep also lives in this mountainous terrain; as of April 2003, the bighorn sheep was listed as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Among fauna found throughout several zones are the mule deer, coyote, mountain lion, red-shafted flicker, and several species of hawk and sparrow.
turtles and other reptiles enjoy saking up the California sun Snakes have long bodies with no legs. They crawl on their bellies. Some are excellent climbers, most can swim. The body is covered with dry skin with visible scales, which may be smooth or rough, and might appear wet or slimy. Snakes can be found on land, in water, in trees and shrubs, underneath objects, and in holes in the ground. They can be active at any time during the day or night, but many species are mostly either diurnal or nocturnal. Snakes can be seen whenever there is warm weather. Rarely in winter.

Lizards have four legs and a tail. An exception is the legless lizard which has no legs, and looks like a snake. Also, some lizards may have no tail because it has come off. The skin of a lizard is dry and covered with scales. The majority of lizards are active during daylight. Exceptions are geckos and some night lizards which are active at night. Lizards are typically seen actively moving about in daylight, or sitting still in the sun. They are also found hiding underneath objects and debris, usually in sunny areas.
Exceptions are skinks and some alligator and legless lizards, which prefer more moist environments. Lizards can be seen whenever there is warm weather, including occasionally in the winter, especially in the south. Salamanders can be mistaken for lizards, as they have four legs, a tail, and a similar body pattern, but they will have smooth, moist skin, and generally they are found hiding underneath something in a moist and usually shady area, usually during cool wet weather.
 
Turtles are distinct from all other reptiles (and amphibians) in California, due to their large, rounded shell. Turtles are almost always found in or near water, often basking on branches or logs in the water. The Desert Tortoise, however, is found on land in the desert, usually far from water. Seaturtles will be found in the open ocean, or on a beach, but they are rarely seen in California. Most turtles are active during daylight during warm weather, including sunny winter days.
Non-Venomous Snakes        Venomous Snakes         Lizards         Turtles
 
 
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