There's no mistaking that bright orange triangular-shaped head and look at those hind legs! Plestiodon laticeps is the largest of the skinks. I've seen more of these this year than anoles and it's usually the other way around. More interesting reading here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plestiodon_laticeps
It's always a little alarming to see an alert pop up on your phone... I had no idea there were so many wildfires in eastern and western Canada.
Air Quality Alert until THU 12:00 AM EDT
Richland County, South Carolina
Start: 6/6/2023 8:50:00 PM
End: 6/8/2023 12:00:00 AM
...Air Quality Alert in effect for Wednesday, June 7th... The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has declared an Air Quality Action Day for Fine Particulates. An air quality action day means that fine particulate concentrations may approach or exceed unhealthy standards. Residents of South Carolina should be aware of the continued risk for health effects related to smoke from wildfires that originated from fires burning across parts of eastern and western Canada. The large swath of smoke is expected to create hazy skies and unhealthy breathing conditions, especially where wildfire smoke is most concentrated. Smoke can irritate the eyes and respiratory system, as well as aggravate or exacerbate chronic heart and lung diseases. South Carolina DHEC recommends that individuals with respiratory health issues limit time spent outdoors to avoid the dust. Take measures to prevent dust and smoke from getting inside. Keep windows and doors closed. If operating an air conditioner/central heating unit, keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. For additional information about smoke and its health effects, please visit: www.scdhec.gov/HomeAndEnvironment/DisasterPreparedness/Wildfires/
@ljmanning Hope they get them under control and put out soon. You hear all the time how 90 percent of wildfires are caused by careless irresponsible people. And no, this skink lives in the Southeastern US. Hasn't got as far as Canada yet. =)
When we get that kind of smoke in California, some of us have learned that the covid n95 masks really help, especially those of us with lung issues. Terrific capture of this skink. Love the details and the color.
@mccarth1 Thanks, Kerry. Yes, it's not at all pleasant for people or creatures. Watch the lichens because they are a sign of air quality or lack of it.
An interesting little chap! Sorry to read about fires in your country. It seems to be happening in so many places now and still people don’t take man made climate change seriously. In the meantime, stay safe!
@koalagardens Thank you.
@jeremyccc Thank you, Jeremy.
@corinnec Thank you very much, Corinne. He wouldn't harm you. He'd run away from your feet. =)
@linnypinny Thank you, Lin. I'm sure they're where you are, but they do hide pretty well.
And yes, the fire situation is awful. We have haze and smoke too - you can actually smell it.
@ljmanning Hope they get them under control and put out soon. You hear all the time how 90 percent of wildfires are caused by careless irresponsible people. And no, this skink lives in the Southeastern US. Hasn't got as far as Canada yet. =)
@ososki Thanks, Bill.
@shutterbug49 Hoping you don't get the particulates. Hot and humid is bad enough for me. Thank you so much.
@ludwigsdiana Thank you, Diana.
@briaan Thank you, Brian.
@rensala Thank you so much, Renee. Hoping they get the fires under control and put out soon!
@kjarn Thank you, Kathy.
Hope they get the fires under control soon and the air quality improves quickly.
@pamalama Thank you, Pam! Me, too.
@ziggy77 Thank you, Jo. It did rain this morning, so that helped us some.
@craftymeg Thank you, Margaret.
@kvphoto Thank you, KV.
@sakkasie LOL! Thank you, April.