Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish
-
Additionally, reptiles and amphibians are vital for nutrient cycling, as they aid in decomposing organic matter, benefiting soil fertility. Their presence indicates environmental health, as they are often sensitive to ecological changes. Furthermore, they hold cultural, educational, and recreational value for humans, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world. Ultimately, protecting these species is essential for preserving ecosystem integrity and resilience.
Timber Rattlesnake | Alabama
Snakes are sometimes perceived as evil, but they are also perceived as medicine. If you look at an ambulance, there's the two snakes on the side of the ambulance. The caduceus, or the staff of Hermes, there's the two snakes going up it, which means that the venom can also be healing. ~ Nicolas Cage
Rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal to humans, if treated promptly. The amount released on the condition of the snake and its temperament (an angry, hungry snake that has just been stepped on vs. a satiated snake that was merely surprised by walking near it.
American Alligator | Louisanna
The best thing to do is just leave them alone. Alligators want to be away from you just as much as you want to be away from them. ~ Jack Hanna
Brought back from the brink of extinction, over a million of these reptiles survive today. Now the main threat to alligators is habitat destruction, caused by such human activities as draining and developing wetlands.
Green Anole Lizard | Alabama
Lizards of every temper, style, and color dwell here, seemingly as happy and companionable as the birds and squirrels. ~ John Muir
Being able to change their color based on mood or habitat is a great feature for the the green anole which helps them remain protected from various predators. They are also believed to be one of the most aggressive species of Lizards.
Rat Snake Cedar Bluff, Alabama
The creatures that inhabit this earth – be they human beings or animals – are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world. ~ Dalai Lama XIV
Adults maximum length of 84 inches. These snakes hunt by scent. When startled this species will stop and remain still with its body in a series of wave-like kinks. This snake will also bluff a strike by raising the head.
Alligator Gar | Alabama
A river doesn’t just carry water, it carries life. ~ Amit Kalantri
Female gar do not reproduce until they reach about five to ten years of age, and they only lay eggs once every ten years. Their eggs are laid near the banks of flooded areas in the spring and the eggs hatch within 48 hours. Biologists report that the fish grows quickly when young and growth slows way down as the gar ages. You can estimate their age by their length. A three-foot gar is probably 2.5 years old and a seven-foot gar could be as old as 40!
Tree Frog | Alabama
Frogs are the rainmakers of the earth, their croaks bringing life to the barren lands. ~ Rachel Carson
The American green tree frog is a staple of summer nights in the U.S. South, where its groaning call echoes through countless swamps, forests, fields, and backyards.
Hog-nosed Snake | Alabama
We don’t own the planet Earth, we belong to it. And we must share it with our wildlife ~ Steve Irwin
This snake is quite comical when threatened (see next). They will flatten their necks and raise their heads off the ground like a cobra and hiss. Sometimes they play dead if the previous threat display does not work. This snake is not venomous to humans.
Hog-nosed Snake | Alabama
Hog-nosed Snake playing dead.
Timber Rattlesnake | Alabama
Rattlesnakes would be a lot more dangerous if they didn't have the rattle. ~ Louis Sachar
Rattlesnakes are pit vipers—they have heat sensing organs located in pits near the eyes. These pits allow them “see” the heat signature of prey. Even in complete darkness, the snake will be able to accurately strike at prey, because their meal is warmer than the surrounding environment.
Alligator Gar | Alabama
We all need a bit of mystery in our lives, and rivers offer plenty of that. ~ Jeremy Wade
Because they can live in areas with low oxygen levels, this species prefers slow-moving waters. They often live in lakes, ponds, bays, reservoirs, slow rivers, marshes, and more. Throughout their range, they occupy both freshwater habitats and saltwater habitats.