Whit Gibbons, Herpetologist and Author
Want to know if you live in a healthy environment? Find a snake. All snakes are carnivores, which means they eat other animals. If their prey is present, it means healthy plants are also around. Snakes serve as touchstones of … Continued
I recently wrote about salamanders, one of the most poorly known groups of animals. Turtles (including about 50 kinds of tortoises) are much better known. But aside from their iconic shell, what sets the more than 350 recognized species apart … Continued
The month of March has two notable dates related to snakes. The first is St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. Legend has it that the fifth-century bishop rid Ireland of its snakes. A nice legacy some might think—except the island is … Continued
In a poll to determine which of the world’s turtles would take home the people’s choice award, box turtles would win in a landslide. Sea turtles captivate observers around the globe, but few people get to know them. That is … Continued
Q. I live near Charleston, SC, and spotted a blue anole sunning himself. It was fully blue. I am familiar with our common green and brown anoles, but this one made me think twice. His tail had been severed and he looked rather thin. I live near an elementary school and am concerned that it may be an escaped pet rather than a “native.” He did not scurry off when I took its picture. Please let me know if you believe it is a lost pet or if more blue anoles may start appearing.