Species & Education

Arizona is home to an incredible variety of reptiles and other wildlife. Many of these animals are misunderstood, feared, or killed simply because people do not know what they are or why they matter.

ScaleWise Education focuses on helping people recognize, understand, and respect the wildlife around them. Our species education covers identification, behavior, habitat, ecological importance, conservation, and common misconceptions.

Our primary focus is on Arizona's native snakes, but we also teach about lizards, turtles, tortoises, Gila monsters, and other local wildlife.

Snakes

Arizona is home to many different snake species, from harmless species like gopher snakes and kingsnakes to venomous species such as rattlesnakes.

Education includes:

  • Species identification
  • Native habitats and ranges
  • Snake behavior and biology
  • Venomous vs. nonvenomous species
  • Why snakes are important to ecosystems
  • Common myths and misconceptions
  • Safe coexistence
  • What to do when you find a snake
  • Conservation and humane removal

Important: Never attempt to handle a venomous snake. Give it space and contact a qualified professional if removal is necessary.

Lizards

Arizona's deserts and other habitats are home to many fascinating lizards.

Education may include:

  • Species identification
  • Habitat and behavior
  • Adaptations for desert life
  • Diet and ecological role
  • Common misconceptions
  • Conservation
  • Responsible interaction with wild lizards

Lizards are an important part of Arizona's ecosystems and deserve the same respect as larger and more intimidating wildlife.

Turtles & Tortoises

Turtles and tortoises have unique behaviors, diets, habitats, and conservation needs.

Education includes:

  • Identifying local species
  • Tortoise vs. turtle differences
  • Natural habitats
  • Diet and behavior
  • Conservation concerns
  • Why wild turtles and tortoises should not be taken from the wild
  • How to safely respond when encountering one

Gila Monsters

Gila monsters are one of Arizona's most recognizable native reptiles and one of the few venomous lizards in the world.

Education covers:

  • Identification
  • Natural history
  • Behavior
  • Habitat
  • Diet
  • Venom and safety
  • Conservation
  • Common myths and misconceptions

Gila monsters should never be handled by the public. They are wild animals that should be observed from a safe distance.

Other Local Wildlife

Reptiles do not live alone. Arizona's ecosystems are filled with animals that interact with and depend on one another.

Depending on the program, ScaleWise Education may also discuss other local wildlife and how they connect to Arizona's ecosystems. Topics can include:

  • Predators and prey
  • Food webs
  • Habitat
  • Human-wildlife interactions
  • Conservation
  • Protecting native species
  • Why every species has a role in a healthy ecosystem

What To Do If You Find One

The safest thing you can do when encountering wild reptiles is give them space.

DO:

  • Stay back and observe from a safe distance.
  • Keep children and pets away.
  • Give the animal a clear path to leave.
  • Take a photo from a safe distance if you need help identifying it.
  • Contact a qualified wildlife or reptile removal professional if the animal is somewhere it cannot safely remain.

DON'T:

  • Try to pick it up.
  • Poke, chase, corner, or trap it.
  • Attempt to kill it.
  • Try to identify a venomous snake by getting close to it.
  • Let children or pets approach it.

Remember

Not every snake needs to be removed.

If a wild reptile is simply passing through your yard and is not creating a danger, the best solution may be to leave it alone. Wildlife was here before us, and learning how to safely coexist with it is an important part of conservation.

If you aren't sure what you're looking at, don't approach it. Give it space and get help from someone who knows how to safely identify and handle the animal.