Almaden Quicksilver Park
Once the site of one of the largest quicksilver mines in the world, ore depletion turned several flourishing mining communities into ghost towns - including Almaden. Almaden Quicksilver has an extensive plant and animal community.

The millipedes get awfully big here.

Skinks are characterized by their smooth, shiny scales.

Young skinks have bright blue tails which easily break off to distract predators.

The Sharptailed Snake has a pointy tail that it stabs its enemies with.

Another photo of this fine serpent.

There's no time like toad time.

Arboreal Salamanders have large, triangular heads due to enlarged jaw muscles. Climbing is facilitated by expanded toes and a prehensile tail.

The Yellowbelly Racer is active in daylight. It is mainly terrestrial, but also a good climber. They move very quickly.

It's easy to see how this snake gets its common name.