Introduction!
Welcome to the Reptile Hike! Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve is a great place to spot reptiles, but please give them respect and space.This is a 2.2 mile round trip hike through three different habitats: oak woodland, chaparral, and grassland. There are a number of stops along the path that will introduce you to the characteristics that make reptiles unique as well as profiling some of our favorite reptiles that can be found in the park.We hope you enjoy your foray into Herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians) today and encourage you to check out the other hikes we have on the app!Directions: From the Education Center, walk up the stairs and make a right on Edgewood Trail.
What is a reptile?
Reptiles are a group of animals that have a specific set of characteristics that make them unique. Some common groups of reptiles include: Tortoises, Turtles, Crocodiles, Snakes, and Lizards.Special Characteristics! Reptiles are ectothermic (cold-blooded) meaning they have to rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature! Humans stay around 98 degrees internally, but reptiles can range between 70 to 90 degrees internally depending on the outside temperature. They use the sun to warm up and the shade to cool down and that's why you're more likely to see them on sunny, warm days. Most reptiles reproduce by laying eggs on dry land, unlike their amphibian counterparts that require water or moist locations. Some snakes hatch their eggs internally giving the illusion of a live birth! Reptiles have dry, scaly, watertight skin that helps prevent them from losing water to heat! Some reptiles can change their skin color by concentrating or dissipating melanin so that they can camouflage (blend in) or help regulate their body temperature.
Leapin' Lizards
There are three main lizards you can find in San Mateo County and all of them are here at Edgewood Park! Can you spot them all?
Slithering Snakes
There are many species of snakes at Edgewood Park, but don't let that deter you from continuing your hike! The old adage is true, snakes are more scared of you than you are of them. Let's learn about some of the common snake species below.
Threatened Turtles
Our last type of reptile found in San Mateo County are turtles! These aquatic creatures are often found in ponds and lakes where they feed on aquatic plants and amphibian eggs. You can usually spot them when sunning themselves on a log or floating structure.*Note that they are unlikely to be spotted within Edgewood County Park.*
Serpentine
As you've been walking along the trail today you may have noticed these rocky outcroppings of blue-gray-green rock known as serpentinite (serpent-in-ite). This rock is composed of serpentine minerals, which are named due to the similarity between the texture of the rock to the texture of snake skin.Serpentine rock breaks down to create serpentine soils which are poor in calcium and other major plant nutrients creating a very harsh environment for plants to thrive. Because of this, Edgewood Park is home to many unique species of plants (including wildflowers!) that are rare to find in many other places. These plants are specially adapted to living in these nutrient poor soils. Some of the plants adapted to these soils provide home to endangered species, such as the Bay Checkerspot Butterfly!
Importance
Reptiles have a rich history of relevance in society and culture. The rattlesnake served as a political symbol in joining the original 13 colonies to fight in the American Revolution. Dragons have surfaced in almost every culture's lore throughout history. Sea turtles following the East Australian Current helped reunite Nemo and his dad in one of the biggest children's movies in recent decades. And of course, "terrible lizards" or dinosaurs have been a fascination of children, movie goers, and scientists alike for many years. But why are reptiles important?
Conclusion
Whether you have ophidiophobia (a fear of snakes) or are a budding herpetologist, we hope you've gained some insight into this amazing group of animals we have in Edgewood Park.Remember to please respect their space and look out for these scaly critters as they warm themselves on our trails.Be sure to close the app in your phone to avoid draining your battery life!
