SNC Critters

Stokes Nature Center is home to several resident critters. These animal ambassadors provide an opportunity for visitors and classes to learn about and meet some commonly-misunderstood species up close and personal. On this page you can find their pictures and descriptions. Come on up to SNC and visit them in person!

Arizona Desert Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes)

As their name suggests, these tarantulas are found mostly in desert areas, though they can also live in grasslands and forests. They spend most of their time in deep burrows which are lined with silk to help detect prey and prevent cave-ins. Nocturnal hunters, these spiders feed mostly on small insects like grasshoppers, beetles, and millipedes. Their predators include birds, snakes, small mammals like coyotes and foxes, and the specialized predator the tarantula hawk. This wasp paralyzes tarantulas with her sting, lays an egg on its body and seals the tarantula in a burrow where her young will hatch and feast on their captive prey.

California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae)

California kingsnakes are striking reptiles with their drastic pattern of black and white stripes. Native to the desert southwest (including parts of Utah) these snakes are known for their ability to kill and eat rattlesnakes. Their bodies produce a special chemical that allows them to resist the effects of rattlesnake venom. Aside from eating other snakes, kingsnakes feast on a wide variety of small mammals and reptiles. They are constrictors, so have no venom but instead wrap around their prey and squeeze until the creature cannot breathe any longer. The unfortunate victim is then swallowed whole! Oreo was generously donated by the Willow Park Zoo.

Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Red-eared sliders are semi-aquatic turtles native to the south-central United States. They can be found mostly in quiet waters, marshes, or ponds. The first part of their name comes from the red stripe behind their eyes, and the word "slider" comes from their ability to quickly slide off a rock and into the water. On land, Flash is a pretty slow guy, but in the water he is lightening fast. Flash is an omnivore; he will eat plants and animals. He enjoys chasing his weekly meal of fish. In the wild, he might also eat aquatic insects and frogs. When in danger, red-eared sliders withdraw their head and limbs into their shells for protection.

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans)

Wyle is a shy little guy and likes to bury himself under his bedding during the day. These snakes are found commonly in much of the western United States, including Utah. They usually live near streams, lakes, ponds, and marshes. Wyle is fed fish, but in the wild, he might enjoy feasting on bullfrogs, snapping turtles, earthworms, lizards, and even baby birds. His kind hibernate in large groups in mammal burrows or natural crevices. Wyle is a quick mover, but he is friendly and harmless to people.

Great Basin Gopher Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus deserticola)

At about 2 1/2 feet long, Gonzo is the big man around the critter cages. In the wilds of Utah, these snakes can grow to be 7 feet long! The Great Basin gopher snake can also be called a blow snake or a bull snake. If threatened, this snake will rapidly vibrate its tail. While doing this in tall or dry grass, the resulting sound will resemble a rattlesnake. When angered, they are able to violently expel air, producing a loud hissing noise, again much like a rattlesnake. Great Basin gopher snakes feat on rodents, birds, lizards, and eggs.

Arizona Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum)

Marbles may look slow and languid sitting in her water or under her log, but she is fast enough to catch the crickets she eats. Despite their name, these salamanders are native to Utah. To keep their smooth skin moist, they need to live near a source of water. In the wild, Marbles would have to watch out for several predators, including snakes, fish, turtles, small mammals, birds, and even other tiger salamanders. There are also several animals who would have to watch out for her; in the wild, she might eat insects, worms, snails, mice, lizards, salamanders, frogs, and small snakes.