An Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake in southeastern Arizona. These small rattlesnakes are found in bunchgrass and oak leaf litter at elevations above around 4,500′. Though they may be locally abundant, most of the long-term locals asked in the area about them have no idea it exists. Buontempo, M. J. (2024). Evolutionary history of a specialized and […]

Sonoran Desert Tortoises are very active in the early Spring, getting out there to much on all the new green stuff all over. If you live near wild spaces and see a native Desert Tortoise out there, please don’t assume it’s someone’s pet. Far too often, we see people pick up native tortoises and making […]

A tiny green-blue arboreal viper I saw in trees at around eye level on a night hike in Peru a couple of weeks ago. This Two-Striped Forest Pitviper was only about as long as a hand, and as big around as a ballpoint pen.

The Sonoyta Mud Turtle is only found in small parts of Sonora, Mexico, and a single small pond in extreme southern Arizona – a stone’s throw from the border. Here is one of several seen on an afternoon visit to this pool, swimming around just under the surface, going after insects and poking through clumps […]

On this relatively small desert island off the coast of Baja California Sur, there is little to worry about from predators. A variety of ocean-going birds nest here as a result, right in the open on the ground in large numbers. This leaves every rock in the area covered in endless strata of bird poop […]

A trio of Black-Capped Squirrel Monkeys trying to make sense of visitors. Loreto, Peru, 2026.

The Tucuxi (Sotolia fluviatalis) is one of a handful of dolphins living throughout the Amazon River complex. This is not the more famous Boto (Pink River Dolphin), but is often found swimming in groups alongside them. This was one of a few in such a mixed group, surfacing here and there with some larger Boto […]

A metallic green jewel of the Amazon – Two-Striped Forest Pitviper, from Peru a few years back.

Amazon Harlequin Toad (Atelopus spumarius) from Peru a couple of years ago.

A Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake from a mountain range near Phoenix. In this area, this species is usually this orange-cream or brown. This one was found on a rocky hillside earlier in 2025. Cochran, C. (2019). Variation in morphology, diet, and venom composition in Crotalus pyrrhus (Cope 1867). Doctoral dissertation, Loma Linda University. https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3590&context=etd