We have spotted the northern alligator lizard a couple of times, but I have been assured they are found in many wet, forested habitats. We would have the most success of seeing one in the douglas fir and hemlock forests, sunning themselves on a rocky outcrop.

The ones we saw were 15-20 cm long and had grey-greenish-brown bands. Their heads are triangular in shape and they have short legs for their long bodies.

They feed on insects, small lizards,and even baby mice. They mate in the spring and have live young in late summer. The lizards hibernate in winter, under rocks, stumps, logs, and forest debris.

They are preyed upon my raptors, small mammals (including cats), and snakes. The lizard is capable of shedding its tail if caught by a predator, and it can regenerate a new shorter, fatter one!

The lizards are hard to photograph because they scuttle off to safety quickly (I am still waiting for a good picture).