Reptiles

Collared Lizard

NPS Photo Lynne Mager

Reptiles are among the most conspicuous animals found in the monument. They can be seen from early March through late October and are most active on warm, sunny days. Lizards hunt prey that includes insects, spiders, other lizards, scorpions, and ants. According to the latest survey conducted, nine species of lizards were identified as monument residents.

Lizards are most active on warm, sunny days and temperate evenings, and are commonly seen sunbathing on rock exposures throughout the park. In colder temperatures they hibernate, relying on food stored as fat in their tails for nutrition. One species, the Plateau Striped Whiptail, reproduces through parthogenisis. All individuals in the species are female, and the young are exact clones of their mother.

Collared lizards are some of the most colorful animals that live in the monument. They're often seen sunning on warm rocks, and can run on their back legs to escape predators. They will eat insects, spiders, and other lizards.

 

Midget Faded Rattlesnake

Nine species of snakes have been identified in the monument. Great Basin gopher snakes (bull snakes), Utah milk snakes, Great Plains rat snake, Smith's black-headed snakes, and striped whipsnakes call the monument home. The Mesa Verde night snake and western terrestrial garter snake are rarely seen in the monument, and the eastern racer is unconfirmed.

The midget-faded rattlesnake, a subspecies of the western rattlesnake, is the only venomous snake found in the monument. They eat lizards, small rodents, chipmunks, and toads. This snake, like all other snakes found here, prefers to avoid human contact.

If you see a snake, remember not to pick it up. Any snake can bite if it feels cornered or is picked up. Don't reach into crevices or small caves where snakes may be resting.

 

Go to Photo Gallery to see more reptile snapshots.