Wildlife and Other Sightings: Western Whiptail, Gilbert's Skink....

Wildlife and Other Sightings: Western Whiptail, Gilbert's Skink.... (2012)
National Park Service
4211880Wildlife and Other Sightings: Western Whiptail, Gilbert's Skink....2012National Park Service

Wildlife and Other Sightings: Western Whiptail, Gilbert's Skink....


August 04, 2012 || Posted by: PU ­ Mather District Interpretive Ranger
Western Whiptail
Aspidoscelis tigris


July 25, 2012
Hetch Hetchy

Western Whiptails were active along the trail from O'Shaughnessy Dam to Wapama Falls from 9:30 to 11:45AM. These lizards are more commonly observed in open habitat, running from bush to bush.

Gilbert's Skink
Plestidon gilberti

July 25, 2012
Hetch Hetchy

This lizard is most often heard before it is seen. They are excellent leaf litter "swimmers." In quiet moments, listen for feint rustling in the leaf litter (most commonly oak). They will periodically peek their heads out for a look on the surface. This individual was observed close to the picnic tables near the rest rooms at Hetch Hetchy. A blue­tailed juvenile was observed cruising in the leaf litter near Hodgdon Meadow employee housing.


Black Bear
Ursus americanus

July 25, 2012
Hetch Hetchy

Fresh scat filled with Manzanita seeds was observed on the trail between O'Shaughnessy Dam and Wapama Falls.


Last updated: August 4, 2012

This work is in the public domain in the United States because it is a work of the United States federal government (see 17 U.S.C. 105).

Public domainPublic domainfalsefalse