Photos / Sounds

What

Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus)

Observer

vanpiersz

Date

May 29, 2023 09:21 AM PDT

Photos / Sounds

What

Sierra Garter Snake (Thamnophis couchii)

Observer

alexia-s

Date

July 2023

Description

PLEASE READ FOR ID.
Just killed by Coyote. The coyote was joined by its juvenile pup and then the male. She chased the male away to have the meal to herself and let the juvenile watch.

Edit: Note I saw species in same area three years ago: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/54302918

This is not a gopher snake, contrary to what I IDed it as to start. I thought it was a weird "morph" but due to range; it was the only species that made sense. Zoom in and look closely; it does not have the correct barred markings. ID credit goes to herpetologist Robert Hanson. He also IDs it as female. This is a Sierra Gartersnake - Thamnophis couchii https://californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/t.couchii.html. Though east of its range it is possible that it came here via humans either released after tiring of it or by accident via produce box from the orchards in Tehachapi area or camping gear from someone camping at Brite Lake. It was caught in habitat where it would thrive due to lakes filled with fish and toads and plenty of tall grass, cattails, and other plants for mice and the snake to hide in.

Photos / Sounds

What

California King Snake (Lampropeltis californiae)

Observer

damoosie

Date

July 2, 2011 06:31 AM UTC

Photos / Sounds

What

Desert Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores)

Observer

aachkinazi

Date

July 11, 2021 11:54 AM PDT

Photos / Sounds

What

Great Basin Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis ssp. longipes)

Observer

brummonds

Date

July 15, 2020 03:16 PM PDT

Photos / Sounds

What

Oaks (Genus Quercus)

Observer

cwbarrows

Date

May 7, 2017 11:27 AM PDT

Photos / Sounds

What

Sugar Bush (Rhus ovata)

Observer

emilychebul

Date

March 18, 2023 03:32 PM PDT