- Squamata (/skwæˈmeɪtə/, Latin squamatus, ‘scaly, having scales’) is the largest order of reptiles, comprising lizards and snakes. With over 12162 Species, it is also the second-largest order of extant (living) vertebrates, after the perciform fish. Squamates are distinguished by their skins, which bear horny scales or shields, and must periodically engage in molting. They also possess movable quadrate bones, making possible movement of the upper jaw relative to the neurocranium. This is particularly visible in snakes, which are able to open their mouths very wide to accommodate comparatively large prey. Squamates are the most variably sized living reptiles, ranging from the 16 mm (0.63 in) dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus ariasae) to the 6.5 m (21 ft) reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus). The now-extinct mosasaurs reached lengths over 14 m (46 ft).
- County conducts massive park cleanup (dispatchnews.com)
Snohomish County agencies spent Thursday and part of Friday last week engaged in a massive cleanup effort of the area known as Steelhead County Park, which is located just south of Sultan along the Skykomish River. Widely used by homeless and transient individuals as an illegal camping area, the total weight of the garbage removed from the wooded, riverside piece of property topped out at over 12 tons; roughly equivalent to that of a 38-foot, 84-passenger school bus.