Reptiles and amphibians are most visible during the spring and fall. Five amphibians and 20 reptiles are known to occur on the refuge. Toads are most visible right after spring and summer rains, when they become very active feeding and breeding. Woodhouse toads are the most common species observed at the refuge. Look for large chuckwalla lizards on the rocky slopes near Devil's Hole and Point of Rocks during the early spring, feeding on buds, flowers, and fruits of a variety of desert plants. Chuckwallas, when alarmed run into rock crevices and inflate their bodies by gulping air. This wedges them in place and makes it hard for a predator to capture them. Snakes are also seen more often during the spring and early fall and become more nocturnal during the heat of mid-summer. Coachwhip and gopher snakes are two of the more common snakes seen at Ash Meadows. During the heat of mid-summer, many reptiles and amphibians become nocturnal, but a large variety of lizards can still be seen. Watch for the fast sprinting desert iguana. These lizards can run up to 18 miles per hour standing on just their two back feet. They have adapted to make their tail break off to escape predators. By late fall, as the temperatures drop to the 40s, larger lizards and snakes begin to hibernate.