Seguaro Nat'l Park

Saguaro National Park is home to a large collection of Saguaro Cactus (the ones with arms seen in old "Western" movies.) In spite of their spiney outer coating, this cactus is home to several species of birds which build nests in holes in the cactus' exterior. These huge cactus have a life span of up to 200 years, but grow as little as 1/4 inch per year. By the age of 15, the average Saguaro is barely one foot tall. It doesn't produce fruit until age 30, and will not develop branches until it's about 75 years old.


A young rattlesnake was found sleeping in the shade near the visitor's center.	A nervous ranger captured the snake and released it a few dozen yards off the path.