European Legless Lizard
(Ophisaurus apodus)
Eastern Europe/Russia – "Anastasia," look again, it's not a snake—it's lizard without legs! This rare Balkan creature is also called a "glass lizard"—for its disturbing tendency to shatter its tail like glass to escape predators. Due to this rather surprising trick, she is a "no touch" animal. If you're looking for the unusual, this is it. Recommended for ages 8 years and up.