Yard-herping in northeast AZ

[Fangthane]

I moved out to Az about a month ago. I guess I'll use this thread to periodically chronicle whatever reptiles I find wandering across the property. Aside from the countless little fence lizards and skinks that seem to be everywhere, I've only come across a couple of things worth mentioning. These pics are kinda crummy, but they're all I have for now. Taken with a Galaxy S4. My new S7 should arrive next week, so maybe the next batch I take may be somewhat better looking.

 

[Donald C]

Nice finds. Love the gopher, wish we had some where I live.

 

[Helenthereef]

Nice idea, hope you keep posting.

For those of us unfamiliar with US species, would you mind adding what they are?

 

[Fangthane]

Apparently, the snake is a gopher snake (thanks, Donald). The lizard is a desert horned lizard, aka "horny toad." I'm not particularly well-versed in indigenous herps, as my main interest has always been exotics. The snake was actually found today. I was unceremoniously awoken this morning by someone opening my bedroom door and yelling "SNAKE!" I stumbled outside and grabbed my hook, half-dreading the idea of having to wrangle a diamondback while half-asleep. The dogs were going crazy trying to get at something, so I kinda had to act fast. Luckily, it turned out to be something harmless.

 

[Helenthereef]

The lizard is a desert horned lizard, aka "horny toad."...
I was unceremoniously awoken this morning by someone opening my bedroom door and yelling "SNAKE!" I stumbled outside and grabbed my hook, half-dreading the idea of having to wrangle a diamondback while half-asleep. .

Thanks for that, I've never seen a (reptilian) horny toad before. Maybe you should keep a pair of gumboots by the door for those early morning alarms though.

 

[Donald C]

Apparently, the snake is a gopher snake (thanks, Donald). The lizard is a desert horned lizard, aka "horny toad." I'm not particularly well-versed in indigenous herps, as my main interest has always been exotics. The snake was actually found today. I was unceremoniously awoken this morning by someone opening my bedroom door and yelling "SNAKE!" I stumbled outside and grabbed my hook, half-dreading the idea of having to wrangle a diamondback while half-asleep. The dogs were going crazy trying to get at something, so I kinda had to act fast. Luckily, it turned out to be something harmless.

Looking further into it, I believe it is a sonoran gopher snake (pituophis cantifer affinis).

 

[Fangthane]

I haven't come across anything different lately, but I did come mere inches from mulching this adorable little guy with my mower today.

 

[Slowpoke]

Man, that little dude has attitude! Great find, and great save.

 

[Donald C]

Oh, that's so cute

 

[elena]

So cute! When they're not doing the blood-from-the-eyes thing...