The Texas Horned Lizard, or "Horny Toad" is the state reptile of Texas. "Horny toads" have an intimidating appearance but a docile and gentle nature. When a horned lizard feels threatened, it flattens and freezes in place, trying to blend with the ground. Texas now lists this unique animal as threatened.

Photo from: Texas Parks & Wildlife*

Ancient American Indians of the Southwest (the Anasazi and the Mimbres) depicted horned lizards on pottery and in petroglyphs. It was a symbol of health and happiness to Native Americans.

In recent times, the horned lizards' habitat has shrunk, imported fire ants have supplanted their food supply, and their numbers have declined drastically. The horny toad is no longer seen in many regions where it was once common. Two of the three native Texas species are now listed as threatened (Texas horned lizard and the mountain short-horned lizard).

"Horned Toad" photo courtesy Best Links.com: short-horned lizard:
from a National Park Service web site (a public domain image).