SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS
Herp habitat in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Triple Pacific Ringneck Snakes.

Turkey Vultures were a common sight.

A Western Fence Lizard with blue spots basking in the morning sun.

I found three Yellowbelly Racers on the trip - this one was the largest.

Herpers sometimes refer to Ensatinas as "gummy lizards."

A young Coast Garter Snake going through a shed cycle, as evidenced by its cloudy eyes.

The Jerusalem Cricket is not from Jerusalem and is not a cricket. Other common names for it are “Child of the Earth,” “Potato Bug,” “Skull Head” and “Old Bald-headed Man.”

California Newts are large salamanders reaching a total length of around 8 inches. They are slow moving and have “expressive” faces.

The Western Pond Turtle is the only freshwater turtle native to California. Its preferred habitat consists of calm waters, such as streams or pools, with vegetated banks and basking sites.

I came across two False Tarantulas one the trip - here's one of them.