Sunnyvale couple ask what could have been done to help Western fence lizard

DEAR JOAN: From time to time, we have found a Western fence lizard in our garage, but the one we found in late fall last year was very lethargic. Over the weeks, he would be found in various locations, but never one that was close to a possible exit point.

After doing a little research we realized he was in the state of brumation, similar to hibernation in mammals but still needing water. So we put down a couple of shallow containers of water. We had become attached to our little guy when, sadly, in early March he died.

What more might we have done?

— Edward Reed, Sunnyvale

DEAR EDWARD: It sounds like you did your best to help him. Fence lizards only live about seven years, and they are a favorite snack of various animals, including the endangered Alameda whipsnake. The garage probably was not the best place for it to live, even if the lizard thought it was.

Fence lizards are starting to emerge from brumation now. You can create habitats for them by stacking pieces of broken clay pots, rocks or logs throughout the garden. This will give them places to hide and spots for them to sun themselves. Put some of the lizard homes in the sun and others near dense bushes, so the lizards can quickly escape predators.

You’ll also want to cut back or eliminate the use of insecticides – fence lizards eat ants, spiders, crickets, grasshoppers and worms. Add some shallow bowls for water, and you should have a fence lizard oasis.

DEAR JOAN: Why do cats and dogs cover their faces with their tails when they sleep? Wild animals do too but not horses.

— David Brooks and Patty Walker, Ben Lomond

DEAR DAVID AND PATTY: Most cats and some dogs stylishly drape their tails over their faces when they sleep, but not all. Cat tails are much longer than dog tails, relative to their body size, so it’s usually easier for them.

In general, the tail touching the face is somewhat like a security blanket. It makes the animal feel safer and goes back to a time when the animals were living in the wild. Sleeping curled up protected their vital organs, provided extra warmth and also allowed the animal to react more quickly to danger, jumping out of bed ready to flee or fight.

Although the sleeping position was once more defensive than it is now, finding your pet sleeping nose to tail is not a sign they are uncomfortable or frightened. (But if they are, you’ll likely find them sleeping like this.)

Cats sometimes sleep stretched out, but their most common sleeping position is curled into a ball, especially when it’s cold outside. Cats crave heat and this position provides it.