Road kill field herping

[distaff]

Was walking the dogs two days ago and came across a two-dimensional version of this guy:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_horned_lizard

Well, that was interesting...after about twenty feet, I decided I wanted to take it home rather than leave it there. I did not grow up in NM, and such creatures are very strange to me. First I had seen of one; first I knew of its existence. However, at that point, the traffic suddenly got heavy. This is a narrow road with no shoulder, and the three dogs did not want to turn around. I had to wait until today to get back there, because that route is our long walk, and the lab had a slight limp yesterday.

Wasn't expecting to find it again, and after loosing all hope...there it was! I blew some ants off it, and slipped that stinky bit of vellum into my jacket pocket. Phew! Anyway it is home now, on display (out on the porch - too stinkey!). Most of the head is gone, but it still has the horns at the back of the head, three (?) little legs, and the lovely paired paisley pattern down the back.

I feel sad for the little guy. At least it was quick.

[Reinz]

That is sad you found it dead.

When I was a kid they were as common as squirrels. We used to catch and play with them all of the time, especially in the summer since Mom would kick us out of the house during the day.

I was fortunate to find one about twenty years ago in Cloudcroft, NM which is in the mountains of Southern NM and was able to share it with my kids.

I don't believe that my kids have ever seen one since.

[wolfy-hound]

They used to be all over Mayport(north part of Jacksonville Florida) but I don't know of anyone who has spotted one in many many years. We used to catch and play with them too.