Horned Toads Rule!

[Casa Grande]

Thanks.  I too would guess it's the "taking, possession, transportation . . . etc." part of the rule that would apply but again the applicability appears to differ by species and type of animal and its applicability is not clear regarding  Horned Toads.  I didn't see anything that would indicate it is prohibited to encourage a Horned Lizard to move from under a bush in order to take a picture which I guess could be interpreted as "hassling" but not taking.  So technically, at least that form of "hassling" would not be prohibited. The corollary question would be if it is prohibited to simply briefly pick one up and say, "Aren't you just the cutest little guy", admire him and then immediately set him back down where he was.  That would not be taking in my limited opinion although some might say that it would be hassling him.


Al

if it's in the park, you're breaking the rules anyway, regardless if it is an endangered/threatened species.  outside the park, probably not a problem.

[Al]

We found the Horned Toad on a private ranch in the Panhandle of Texas.  

I must note we did not "hassle" the Horned Toad, at least to the extent it felt the need to do the blood from its eyes thing.  Just look into his/her eyes.  What a sweet look!

How can one not love a Horned Toad even as the Mascot of TCU!

Horned Toads are very kind, good and tolerant animals in my limited experience and perception, which is probably why we love them.  

We did insist on a few photos but our little friend was no worse for wear.

Al

[Al]

Another Shot . . .



Al

[Casa Grande]

fantastic, Al!  Man I miss those little guys......

[Al]

Da toad.



A;

[STARLITDARKNESS3]

those are some of the best photos i've seen of horned toads.  I remember seeing many horned toads when I was a kid in Brownsville.  I don't remember the ants being much of an issue, as I recall, the growth and increase in human population seemed to play more of a roll in their demise.  The last time I recall seeing one was about two years ago just north of Brownsville city limit near Paredes Line Rd, just before F.M. 511.

[Undertaker]

Still love the little guys, as far as rules, I am glad everyone loves um.

Quick note when floods took place after Alica, news was telling anyone who found unknow barrels of anything on there property to call HAZMAT, right, and then you find out that unmarked barrel is goning to cost "you" the property owner mucho bucks to get moved. Float it back into moving water.  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

[Al]

those are some of the best photos i've seen of horned toads.  I remember seeing many horned toads when I was a kid in Brownsville.  I don't remember the ants being much of an issue, as I recall, the growth and increase in human population seemed to play more of a roll in their demise.  The last time I recall seeing one was about two years ago just north of Brownsville city limit near Paredes Line Rd, just before F.M. 511.

There is a lot to be said for luck and a friend with a sharp eye.  

Thanks.

Al

[Al]

Now that we know what we're looking for a Horny Toad it is pretty easy to spot but, otherwise while walking along, a sharp eye was required.



Al

[Al]

.
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Are we worn out on Horny Toad pictures?



I hope not.

Al

[Pedreo233]

This shot was not taken in BiBe, but was taken a couple of days ago in the Panhandle of Texas.  

For the Horned Toad lovers among us.  It had been too many years since I'd seen one.



Al

Com'on Al panhandle shots don't count.  Do you like TCU also?

[Al]

Hey!  I'll take what I can get.  There is only one Texas and not that many Horned Toads . . . and I is an Aggie and respect TCU.

Al

[TheWildWestGuy]

I love the horned toads but have yet to see one in the Park or East Texas.  I don't claim to be an expert (on anything) but the word on the street is that the horned toads demise is due mainly to non-native fire ants.  Rumor is that the horned toad lives almost entirely off of native black ants (carpenter ants, harvester ants, etc..) which have been greatly reduced or killed off in areas invaded by fire ants (which is most of Texas at this point).  Loss of habitat by human invasion is also a factor but not so much.   Horned toads apparently do not like to eat pet store-bought crickets or meal worms which makes them hard to keep as pets and most captured specimens die of starvation within a few weeks of confinement.   Texas Parks and Wildlife is selling special "horned toad" license plates to protect the "habitat of non-game species" but the fact is this money is going into the State's General Fund and not to TP&W - in other words it's a big RIP OFF LIE...TWWG

[Al]

TWWG, are you telling us that the money is not going to fire ant prevention? 

I am depressed . . .

Al

[bbbrain]

Quote from A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Texas - "It is generally accepted that the reduction in numbers is related to the widespread use of insecticides to eradicate ants, the lizard's main food, and to habitat alteration."
     When i was a kid we would scare up several every time we mowed the yard - and we lived in town.