Reptiles

A lizard sitting in the leaves of a yucca
Lizards are very common along the trail during warmer months.

NPS Photo/Pattie Reed

Resident Reptiles

A variety of reptiles can be found at El Morro. It is common to see lizards scurrying around the Visitor Center and on monument trails. The most common lizard species are the New Mexico whiptail and the sagebrush lizard. Horned lizards, or "horny toads," are occasionally spotted in the brush along the trails.

There are seven species of snakes that are found in El Morro. Snakes play an important role in our ecosystem by keeping rodent populations in check. The most common snakes seen at El Morro are the gopher snake (also called a bullsnake) and the western prairie rattlesnake. The western prairie rattlesnake is the only venomous snake found at El Morro.

If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, call 911 immediately.

 
 

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Last updated: October 20, 2022

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Mailing Address:

HC 61 Box 43
Ramah, NM 87321

Phone:

505 783-4226 x801

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