Catalina Critters

On most Saturdays, Catalina State Park hosts a wildlife exhibit (weather permitting).  A bunch of us went by car or on bikes to look at what was on display.  Below, Doris and Lori along with our great nieces view some of the snakes in the cages. 

One volunteer was wearing a snake bracelet, something you will NEVER see on me!

One of the aquariums had a 5 foot Diamondback rattlesnake.  Just looking at him gave me chills.  Ugh!  He was all "rattled" so to speak and his tail was shaking.  Even with the glass, I didn't get too close.

This is what you see when you look down a Gila Monster's mouth. I couldn't tell if his tonsils were there or not.  There were at least 3 Gila Monsters in an enclosure, roaming around to their heart's content.  This one had taken refuge in a small hollowed out log and when the volunteer tried to push him out, he protested.  I heard one volunteer state that a man had been bitten by one of these critters, and they had to amputate his thumb since the Gila Monster is a protected species!  

At least the black coach whips weren't poisonous, but I still wouldn't want one in my back yard.

Lori, who is married to my nephew, Greg Mott, was the only one brave enough to hold one of the non poisonous snakes.  The volunteer told us some of the smaller ones will even attack rattlesnakes because they are immune to the venom.  

And last, but not least, is a book everyone should have..........."Who Pooped in the Sonoran Desert?"   After all, when you are out in the desert you sure want to know what kind of poop to avoid stepping on!