I have to share another bit from Clay Thompson's Arizona 101 column. I love this ..."A stick lizard, as many an old-time Arizonan can tell you, scurries along the hot desert floor with a stick held crossways in its mouth.
The stick serves two purposes. When a lizard comes to a burning stretch of sand, it uses the stick to sort of pole vault over the hot part, thus preventing burns to its little lizard feet.
The stick also is used for self-preservation. If the lizard is attacked, the crossways stick prevents the predator from swallowing the lizard.
This stick-lizard business is old-timer, tall-tale hooey of course, but it amuses the tourists."
Taken from the Arizona Republic. Thanks again, Clay Thompson!
