Species Reptiles & AmphibiansNorthern Alligator Lizard

Northern Alligator Lizard

Elgaria coerulea

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Northern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria coerulea)

The Northern Alligator Lizard is a long-bodied, short-limbed lizard of the Pacific Northwest. It moves with a snake-like motion and is cold-tolerant, active in cool, cloudy weather. It bites hard when handled.

Habitat
Moist forests, rocky meadows, and brushy hillsides
Diet
Insects, spiders, ticks, and small vertebrates
How common
Common

Best time to see a Northern Alligator Lizard

The best time to see a Northern Alligator Lizard is March–July, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 10,099 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Northern Alligator Lizard sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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