CALIFORNIA COAST
I spent some time looking for cool creatures on the California coast.
A Coast Garter Snake found on the way to the ocean.
I decided to investigate a few tidal pools.
A fish known as a Monkeyface Prickleback.
A mollusk known as a Mossy Chiton.
A spectacular Pacific Red Octopus.
An immature Red Rock Crab...
...which looks quite different from an adult Red Rock Crab.
Sea Anemone - their tentacles (which are armed with stinging cells) can be retracted inside the body cavity or expanded to catch passing prey.
Sea Urchins - these spiny, globular animals chew holes out of solid stone.
I was thrilled to find my first-ever Sea Stars - Ochre Sea Stars are rather large.
Herps can be found not far from the ocean - Western Fence Lizard.
Yellowbelly Racer.
