Gambelia wislizenii
May 13, 2011: Kelso Dunes, San Bernardino County, CA
Erika was the first to point out this large, spotted lizard at Kelso Dunes.
May 13, 2022: Kelbaker Road, San Bernardino County, CA
While walking slowly between the shrubby vegetation, I was the first to spot this magnificent lizard. I was paying attention to where I was walking because of the possibility of rattlesnakes, when I caught a glimpse of movement: a lizard, and a rather large one at that – at least a foot long. Of course, it ran in the opposite direction from me, but I was able to keep eyes on it and follow. The lizard fled from one bush to another, eventually ending up under an Anderson Thornbush. It was a magnificent lizard – a wonderful find so early in the day.
May 15, 2022: Zzyzx Desert Studies Center, San Bernardino County, CA
I found lots and lots of beautiful footprints in the sand near the pitfall traps. This is one of the species I was able to identify from the prints.
Let me know what you think!