Posted by Cassidy Derrick on May 31, 2006

Q: I have another question about a curious creature in my backyard. It's a large, slender lizard (about 8" overall), and moves through the grass like a snake. The coloring is neutral, something like the tinier rock lizard (tan/brown). I tried to identify it online, but couldn't decide if it was a Skink or Alligator lizard. It seems to have characteristics of both to my untrained eye. It is hot and dry in our location, so my guess is that a Skink probably wouldn't find this an ideal habitat. If it is an Alligator lizard, are they basically harmless? My dad did get bitten on the finger trying to pick one up, but it didn't break the skin.

Thanks for your help!

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: California

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: California is a big state so I wish you had told me exactly where you live. You mentioned that it moves "like a snake" so this has me wondering if you're seeing a legless lizard? Google "California Legless Lizard" and see if this is what you're seeing. Both Southern and Northern Alligator Lizards live in Calif and their ranges overlap a bit so you may have seen either of these but they definitely have legs and move like a lizard, not a snake. Most reptiles will bite if handled but none of these is dangerous. I hope this helps a wee bit.

John Wiessinger ( May 31, 2006)

A: Whoops, I sent your answer a bit early. The Western Skink lives in Calif and is found in grasslands with lots of rocks as you described, so this too may be possible. The legless lizard is a nocturnal reptile so you wouldn't normally find it active during the day, certainly not in the middle of the day. The alligator lizards and skink are all diurnal so these would be active in daylight. That may help too.

John Wiessinger ( May 31, 2006)