This may have been the healthiest horny toad I’ve ever seen. S/he’s a big granddaddy/mama; I think his/her body would almost have filled the palm of my hand.
Look at that belly! And that tongue!
This is a wonderful Navajo legend about the relationship between the Diné and horned lizards.
This link talks about the symbolism of horned lizards. According to the site, “Na’ashǫ́’ii dich’ízhii (horned toad) is called Cheii (Grandfather) by the Diné (Navajo). Grandfather Horned Toad possesses great spiritual power that enabled him to triumph in a contest with lightning, an incredibly powerful force. The Diné use his songs and prayer for protection from the dangers of the world and the evil intentions of other people.”
And we can all use songs and prayers for protection from the dangers of the world and the evil intentions of other people, eh? 🙂 I didn’t have even a sprinkle of corn pollen or any other offering, but I did endeavor to protect the critter from stout hooves as s/he scuttled between sagebrush.
Who couldn’t love that face!?
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
Good health and harmony to you… Love the story of grandfather toad. Stay safe little one.
S/he couldn’t have reached that size without some good survival instinct and/or karma! 🙂
Perhaps the gift offered of protection, for a moment, was enough – for many – one Grandfather saved to go forth for another day to save many from lightening and evil intentions of others – ❤
I certainly hope so. 🙂
Love this guy or gal!
They’re such cool little dinosaurs. 🙂
I love these guys. We had a different species in the Colorado chaparral, more spikes. I named them all “Spike” and once I saw a baby, no more than 1/2 inch, perfectly fully formed.
California chaparral…my brain hurts from the hearings…
Spike – I love it. 🙂 I saw one of those super tiny baby ones last year.
fascinating little creature.
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Little dinosaurs!
What a beauty! Wishing him/her a long and happy life.
S/he probably has had a fairly long life already … at that size?! But yes, good wish. 🙂
Fat and sassy and wonderful! I always love seeing these guys and this one is a beauty. I love his tongue too – cute beyond words, TJ! Wishing him or her many more days of scuttling happily across the Basin!