National School Picture Day is just around the corner! We leaned on Oklahoma’s photogenic wildlife for tips to help find your smile, strike a pose, and stay your adorable and wild self. After each tip, we share a little more about the wild representatives that inspired the suggestion.
Find Your Smile
While waiting for your turn in front of the camera, think of all your happy times in Outdoor Oklahoma. Memories of exploring nature at night, catching a nice fish, or just soaking in the river should bring a natural smile to your face. Whether you have a toothy grin or just a happy little tilt, the trick is to find your smile.
Wild Representatives: This group of adventurers shines in their respective skill sets. The tricolored bat spends its nights studying the flight patterns of insects and honing its echolocation skills as it flies above the treetops. The venomous northern cottonmouth is also active at night but prefers to hang around the water where it excels at catching frogs and fish. And the razor-backed musk turtle loves to go with the flow at the bottom of a stream or river.
Strike a Pose
Sit up straight, angle your body slightly to the side, and know that you can follow your dream … or catch that bug.
Wild Representatives: Despite their camera-ready poses, this group sometimes has a hard time showing up for picture day. The Texas toad makes the most of southwestern Oklahoma’s rainy season catching insects and practicing its mating trill before burrowing in to wait out the dry spells. The red-eared slider may be the state’s most abundant turtle and a regular at ponds but has a shy side and regularly tucks into its shell or slides into the water if startled. The Rich Mountain salamander is even less of a fan of the limelight and spends the bulk of its time under rocks and logs.
Avoid the Predatory Glare
Picture Day may not be your favorite time but try to avoid squinting or giving a predatory glare. Relax your face as you get settled on the stool and remember that your family will probably hang the photo on their fridge for at least a few years … maybe longer if your mean mug makes for good jokes.
Wild Representatives: This group has a lot of potential and can be motivated with the right incentive. The venomous western massasauga is known to have a temper and may be quick to strike if disturbed. Despite the cafeteria’s best attempts to broaden its diet, it would rather just have a frog or lizard. The eastern screech-owl takes a lot of daytime naps but can really narrow its focus if a mouse is involved. And the Texas brown tarantula spends a lot of time in its burrow but seems to enjoy traveling for fall games.
Be Your Adorable Self
Time may seem to stand still now, but your school pictures will show just how fast life (and makeup and hair styles) can change in 13 short years. Take a cue from this kindergarten class and just be your adorable self.
Wild Representatives: This group is bound for greatness! The Texas horned lizard makes friends wherever it goes and likes ants on a log for its morning snack. The killdeer is growing so fast and shows potential as a track star. And the ornate box turtle is really learning to come out of its shell!
Show Your Wild Side
Fashion trends will fade, but being true to yourself will always be in style. Don’t be afraid to show your wild side as the year progresses! School is challenging enough without taking yourself too seriously.
Wild Representatives: There’s never a dull moment with this group. The ornate box turtle never lets a little dirt stand in the way of a good time. The green anole can blend in with nearly any crowd but still maintains its personal boundaries. And the eastern hog-nosed snake has a flair for theatrics and is destined for a career in comedy or drama.
Learn more about Oklahoma's fish and wildlife in our online field guide.