Chuckawalla

/ˌtʃʌkəˈwɔːlə/ noun

Definition

A large, stocky lizard found in deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Etymology

From Spanish 'chacahuala' or a Native American language, referring to this desert reptile; the exact origin is uncertain but likely pre-Columbian.

Kelly Says

The chuckawalla is famous for hiding in rock crevices and puffing up its body to wedge itself in—making it almost impossible for predators to remove, which is why Native Americans knew about this clever escape trick long before scientists named it!

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