Crazy critters

Closeup of a wild Oregon alligator lizard on a farm near Elkton, Ore., on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011.  Alligator lizards can be very aggressive, but like many lizards they are able to drop their tails if attacked, possible giving the lizard a chance to flee.

Wink, wink. This week I'm helping out with the fruit harvest.  It's lots of work, but I've found a few crazy critters to photograph in the down time.  Check out more of my nature photography.

Caterpillars climb on a fruit box at a farm near Elkton, Ore., on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011.  The caterpillars were in the box because they fell from a tree while prune plums were being harvested.