- I'm Coyote Peterson, and you're never going to believe the
encounter I just had with the fastest lizard in the west.
Ow, he's biting me!
Ahhh, ow he's got a hold of my finger!
(adventure themed music)
As we begin our journey into the second season of
Breaking Trail, I find myself at home in the desert.
The southwest has always been one of my favorite places
to explore, and if you can withstand the intense heat,
It is about 108 degrees out here today.
spine covered plant life
Oh my gosh, that thing is really wedged in my hand
ahhhhh, I knew this was going to happen.
and the venomous creatures, you might find yourself
loving it just as much as me.
I find that exploring in a wash or narrow canyon near sunset
almost always yields an animal encounter.
Some of which can really keep you on your toes.
(feet crunching in the dirt)
(fast paced drums)
Got a snake, got a snake!
Yes, check this out!
Oh look at that!
Do you know what species that is?
That is a Coachwhip.
This is one of the fastest snakes that you're
ever going to come across out here in the desert.
(sigh of relief)
Get this guy on the ground,
you have no shot at catching him.
I saw him just dart off of that tree branch
so I couldn't even give you any warning
I just had to lunge for him.
Look at that.
Look how long and beautiful that snake is.
These snakes are feeding on lizards and any other
little rodents that might be running around
out here in the desert.
Look at how beautiful those eyes are, though!
Wow, so perfectly streamlined,
that obviously allows them to move incredibly quick.
The reason that they're called Coachwhips is that
you can see the snake pretty much looks like a whip.
These snakes are non venomous, certainly have
no interest in going after humans.
They're just out here to explore the desert
and look for dinner.
So cool.
Alright well let's get him back up in his tree
so that he can continue hunting.
That was cool to see him climbing up into the trees.
Let's head up toward the base of this mountain,
some big boulders, let's see what we can find
living up there.
In my book, any snake encounter has made the day
but when I explore the desert my mind is fixated
on one thing, and one thing only.
Lizards, and which ones will I try to catch this time?
The Sonoran Desert, and it's expanse of
beautifully rugged eco systems
provides a home to many species.
Some of which are safe, and simple to catch,
like the Regal Horn Lizard.
And some that you should never try to catch
like the venomous Gila Monster.
He doesn't want anything to do with us right now
he's just laying low to the sand saying
"Okay, don't get any closer."
I love looking for and trying to catch lizards
because they always pose such a challenge.
The skill of actually making a capture requires stealth,
precision, and a whole lot of luck.
(chuckling excitedly)
That is a collared lizard, do you see his
little yellow head?
- [Off screen crew member] I can barely see him.
- Barely see him?
Alright, I'm going to leave my snake stick here,
come up slow, try not to startle him.
(feet crunching) (brush rustling)
Got him!
Ow, ow, ow, or, he's biting me!
Ahhh, ow he's got a hold of my finger!
I got a hold of him, he's got a hold of me.
Look at that, ow geez!
I guess that's one way to catch a collared lizard?
I can't even believe he let me get that close.
Holy cow, alright, um, woah.
Those teeth are super sharp.
(grunting in pain)
He is locked onto my finger.
Ah, geez, didn't see that coming.
As you can see, he kind of said,
"You're going to catch me?
"Well guess what, Coyote?
"I am also going to catch you."
This is just a totally, totally uncomfortable situation
but I got him, and we're going to get the most beautiful
and the fastest lizard in the southwest
up close for you right now.
Let me get off of this.
Okay.
- [Off screen crew member] What's that feel like?
- It feels like a bunch of little tiny needles. (groaning)
Yes, thank you for letting go.
Ouch.
Alright, now let's try to get a better look
at this beautiful, beautiful lizard.
Look at him.
This is one of the most aggressive species of lizards
that we have out here.
Certainly not aggressive towards humans,
they're aggressive towards the other animals
that call the desert home.
This is kind of like a little mini t-rex,
as he's roaming the hillsides here he is looking for
anything that's unfortunate enough
to get close to those jaws.
I can tell you first hand that their bite
is a serious powerhouse.
This is probably the fastest lizard species that we
have here in the southwest.
In fact, they are so quick that when they're running
their front half will lift off the ground kind of like a
Basilisk Lizard and they'll use these back feet to
project themselves up in the air and this long,
skinny tail kind of works like a rudder to help direct them
through the environment.
I would put him down and show you what that looks like
but he is going to take off so incredibly quick
we would not be able to catch him again.
Look how beautiful the coloration is on this lizard.
He's got this bright yellow head
and the reason they're called Collared Lizards
is because you see that double black striped
collar on the back of his neck there?
The teal skin, the yellow and white speckling,
unbelievably beautiful.
You may be saying to yourself, 'Gosh, this lizard
"looks like it would really stick out in the desert
"environment, it must be easy for predators to
"pick this guy off?"
Actually, because this lizard is so fast it's almost
impossible for predators to catch it.
I'd say the only thing that's going to be able to
get one of these lizards and turn it into dinner
would be a road runner or maybe a coachwhip?
What an awesome experience, getting close,
actually catching, and then getting chomped
by the Eastern Collard Lizard.
One of the most beautiful, and fastest lizards
that we have here in the southwest.
I'm Coyote Peterson, be brave, stay wild,
we'll see you on the next adventure.
Alright, you ready to get back up on your rock
and not bite anymore Coyotes?
I hope so.
This was only the second time in my life
that I was able to capture a collared lizard.
Despite getting bitten, I'd consider this a lucky day.
If you thought that was one wild adventure
check out this Gila Monster encounter.
And, don't forget, subscribe to join me and the crew
on this season of Breaking Trail.
Try to create a barrier between it, and it's den.
Alright. it's turning back towards us now,
okay, I'm just going to go.
(boots crunching in the dirt)
(animal sounds)