REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

California Alligator Lizard

 

There are two types of California Alligator Lizards, both Northern and Southern. The picture above is of a Northern California Aligator Lizard (Elgaria Coerulea). When out on a hike one can distinguish the difference between the Northern and Southern California Alligator by the different colors on their body. They have flat-wedged shaped heads, and long noses. They have small legs and their body is about the same width as their head. Alligators Lizards are known to have smooth scales and a long snout. Alligator lizards can bite if caught, so we recommend not picking them up! It is most common to find an Alligator Lizard in moist areas of either the foothills or in canyons. They are also found in drier areas like the grasslands, but are generally found close to creeks. They like to hide in rocky cracks. Like snakes, they shed their skin in one piece. Alligator lizards feed on snails, and occasionally on eggs. When Alligator Lizards are in captivity, they usually feed on larger animals, like mice.