subject: Fauna Of Mexico Part 8 [print this page] Mexico is home to hundreds of animal and plant species. No vacation would be complete without a visit to an ancient ruin, and at least one wild animal sighting. However, while some species are harmless, others are best observed from a respectful distance. These animals and reptiles are the reason why cameras have extreme zoom lenses.
Pygmy Spotted Skunk
This skunk is endemic to the western coast of Mexico, making its home in the woodlands of Sinaloa to Oaxaca. They are quite similar in appearance to weasels; not including their 4-inch tail, their slim bodies reach about 7-13 inches in length. Spotted skunks have several white spots on their foreheads and several white stripes down their backs - hence their name. As the skunks mature, more spots appear on their backs, while the rest of their fur remains black. Pygmy spotted skunks are omnivores, eating insects, fruit, small mammals, and reptiles depending on the season. They take off when they're in danger and they're nocturnal critters; however, like other skunks, these pygmy skunks will spray odorous excretions when cornered. It's best to keep your distance!
Diamondback Water Snake
The diamondback is dark brown or olive-green in color, and can grow to a length of 4.9 feet. They are one of the most common snake species in the area, found near slow-moving streams, rivers, and swamps. They are known to forage for a meal by hanging on a branch suspended over water with their head submerged; to catch fish and small amphibians. When they encounter prey, the diamondback will snap it up quickly and pull it out of the water to prevent escape. Diamondbacks will swim away from danger, and will only bite when physically handled; their teeth are nonvenomous but sharp. Diamondbacks are sometimes mistaken for rattlesnakes due to the the diamond pattern on their backs. It's probably wise to leave all snakes alone.
American Crocodile
This reptile is the most widespread of the four crocodile species native to the Americas. It occurs in southern Mexico, from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts, and there are populations in the rivers of Cuba and Jamaica as well as in Venezuela and Peru. The American Crocodile has a familiar body structure; short legs, powerful tail, and scaly hide. Its eyes, ears, and nostrils sit on top of its head, so it can conceal the rest of its body beneath the surface of the waters where it hunts. American Crocodiles can swim at 20 miles per hour, and on land they can charge for short bursts at 10 miles per hour! This is particularly impressive when you consider that the average male is about 13 feet long, and weights 840 pounds. Newborns are barely 8 inches in length, and grow rapidly into powerful predators. American Crocodiles mainly eat fish; although full-grown cattle from nearby farms, have been known to have been grabbed; as with all crocodiles, humans should be cautious when near the shallow waters that these reptiles prefer.
