Texas Land Conservancy protects over 20,000 acres in Culberson County out in West Texas, and I am fortunate to get to visit that property every year. I saw a lot of critters on my trip this year, but what really took the cake was seeing my first ever Texas Horned Lizard!!!! Texas Land Conservancy’s mascot is the Texas Horned Lizard, and they are all over our content and merchandise. I had never seen one even though I’ve lived in Texas for 19 years—and that story is becoming all too common. Many Texans fondly remember the abundant horned lizards from their youth, but fire-ants and other factors have drastically reduced their populations. Somehow, I eagle-eyed this one on the road while going 40-50 mph, and you can see just how camouflaged it was! I only saw it because it moved a few feet as I drove by, and I had a strong suspicion of what it was. I turned the truck around, and, sure enough, it was still sitting there. We had a nice little photo shoot after I encouraged it off the road, and it was more precious and charming than I could have imagined.
