Forest Sharp-tailed Snake

Reptiles > Colubrids

The Forest Sharp-tailed Snake (Contia longicauda) is a diminutive, secretive woodland reptile endemic to the ancient, fog-drenched redwood and conifer forests of northern California and southern Oregon. Named for the sharp, thorn-like spine at the very tip of its...

Northwestern Garter Snake

Reptiles > Colubrids & Harmless Snakes

The Northwestern Garter Snake (Thamnophis ordinoides) is a gentle, charming, and extraordinarily polymorphic harmless serpent native to the lush maritime habitats of the Pacific Northwest. Famous among herpetologists as one of the most colorfully variable snakes in...

Gilbert’s Skink

Reptiles > Lizards & Skinks

Gilbert’s Skink (Plestiodon gilberti) is a large, handsome, smooth-scaled lizard endemic to the sun-drenched oak foothills and chaparral canyons of California. Famous for the extraordinary, high-contrast neon coloration of its juveniles—which sport an...

Western Pond Turtle

Reptiles > Turtles

The Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata), also known as the Pacific Pond Turtle, is the only native freshwater turtle widely distributed along the Pacific Coast of North America. Renowned for its shy, wary nature and intricately marbled olive-brown carapace, this...

Texas Night Snake

Reptiles > Snakes

The Texas Night Snake (Hypsiglena jani) is a small, secretive, rear-fanged colubrid native to the rocky canyonlands and arid scrub of the American Southwest and Mexico. Instantly recognizable by its striking cat-like vertical pupil eyes and three prominent dark brown...