Reptiles and Amphibians
Common Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula californiae - Kingsnakes eat other snakes including snakes larger than themselves. Image by Tom Brennan.
Gilbert's Skink
Eimeces gilberti gilberti; Image by UC Berkeley
Mountain Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans elegans or Mountain Garter snake is endemic to North and Central America, and can be found from the subarctic plains of Canada to Costa Rica. The length of the garter snake varies from 18 to 54 inches, and it weighs approximately 5 ounces up to 1 pound. We spotted several specimens in our orchard in May 2020.
Mountain Yellow-legged Frog
Rana muscosa; They have raspy call that rises at the end. Image by Gary Nafis
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus oreganus - They are on our property and in Yosemite National Park but we have yet to encounter one. If you do please give them a wide berth as they are venomous and dangerous.
Pacific Chorus Frog
Peudarcris regilla - Their loud call "wreck-eck" is often repeated in large choruses.
Pacific Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer catenifer - A rattlesnake look-alike but the gopher snake is non-venomous. You can distinguish the gopher snake by the clown's tear under the eyes.
Sierra Fence Lizard
Sceloporus occidentalis taylori; Image by Gary Nafis