Chuckwalla
We are headed on an IMAGINARY adventure to somewhere hot, sunny, dry, and perfect for many different animals. But, we need to make sure we have our sun protection, water, food, and anything else that could help keep us cool!
If you’re ready, let’s jump on a plane to……
the desserts of Nevada in the Southern United States.
We’re on a quest to find a Chuckwalla hidden in the rocks of the desert landscape.
Critter At A Glance
What are they like? Other than the Gila Monster, the Chuckwalla is the largest of the southwest desert lizards. They have a dark colored flat body with lots of loose skin folds. When you touch their skin, ift feels kind of like sandpaper.
What are their special skills? They are REALLY good climbers, and they hide between rocks for protection against predators. When a predator is near, they swallow lots of air to puff up their bodies. This helps them look scary and it also fills up the space they are hiding so nothing else can get to them. This is like the puffer fish of the reptile world!
What do they eat? Aside from the occasional insect snack, Chuckwallas are actually herbivores. They eat plant llike flowers, fruit, and leaves.
If you think this critter sounds pretty cool,
listen in to Charle’s adventure below!
Are you ready for an out of this world fact?
Chuckwallas have a crazy way of getting rid of extra salt in their bodies from their diet. They "sneeze" salt from their bodies through their nostrils. If you look closely, you'll see dried salt crystals around their nose….EWWWW!
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It’s time for a backyard chuckwalla adventure. We’ve just pretended we traveled to find a chuckwalla, now we need to pretend to be a chuckwalla.
Here’s your challenge!
Bask in the sun like a super sleepy chuckwalla.
Climb something like a swingset, some rocks, anything you're allowed to play on.
Find something to blow up, like a balloon or a beach ball. Is it easy or hard to keep filling up your lungs with air?
Don’t forget to tell us if you completed this challenge! Share a picture for a chance to be featured on facebook or instagram! #heymrjim
“Chuckwalla | Utah’s Hogle Zoo.” Utah’s Hogle Zoo | Utah’s Hogle Zoo Official Website, https://www.hoglezoo.org/meet_our_animals/animal_finder/chuckwalla/. Accessed 13 June 2022.
Marie, Anne. “Chuckwalla Facts (Sauromalus).” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 29 Dec. 2019, https://www.thoughtco.com/chuckwalla-facts-4779979.