Leaping Lizard by Jack Ballard
Desert Collared Lizard © Jack Ballard
I nearly miss sighting the creature, though my footsteps on an arid path take me within an arm’s length of its motionless body. A large lizard basks contentedly on a rock. While I’m sweating with exertion and in response to the intense summer sun, this fellow looks downright comfortable.
Stopping to observe my reptilian trail-mate, my eyes are immediately drawn to an unusual band of color circling its neck just above its shoulders. The band consists of two stripes of black, sandwiching a lighter streak of white.
I move closer to take a photo. The lizard’s unblinking eye betrays no hint of my presence. The utter stillness of its body seems relaxed, even confident. I slide in a few more inches to compose a more interesting portrait. Suddenly the reptile cocks its head a bit higher and opens its mouth, clearly an indication of displeasure. Although I know it’s not going to attack me, its actions are intimidating.
As it turns out, I’m not the only one a bit unnerved by a handsome Desert Collared Lizard. The leading lizard in many areas, collared lizards often prey on their own kind, running down smaller lizards and gobbling them with their large mouths and strong jaws. Collared lizards have large hind feet, which allow them to run upright, similar to a human.
After a somewhat startling experience with this bold lizard, I turn my own two legs up the trail.
