The difference is that alligators can regrow the same tooth up to 50 times during their lifetime, which makes sense given the type of prey they’re eating. Wall lizards are known to eat their own young, as well as baby alligator lizards. These lizards are primarily found in forested areas at elevations of 1,000 to 11,000 feet. Florida Worm Lizards are known for their powerful bite but luckily, they are not poisonous. Three species-the eastern diamondback, pygmy, and. Venomous lizards, alligators and crocodiles, and iguanas can cause clinically significant bites. When caught in their grasp, it’s nearly impossible to fight back against a crocodile. Birds, rodents and other lizards are part of what a tegu would eat in the wild. We never recommend setting a lizard trap, since this will typically kill or injure lizards. Alligators are much more tolerant of cold temperatures than crocodiles. They are saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus), and they hold the record for the most bites. com. As one of the most iconic and potentially dangerous inhabitants of Texas’s lakes and. October 2023. Alligators Have A “U-Shaped”, Crocodiles Have A “V-Shaped” Snout. Pleurodont dentition is found in many lizards, like monitor lizards, iguanas and snakes. Arachnophobes beware! The black widow spider is everyone’s worst nightmare. These lizards are primarily found in forested areas at elevations of 1,000 to 11,000 feet. Typically, alligators won’t make their home in the Brazos River, so. . Northern alligator lizard. Let’s find out. yes they are more dangerous. ∙ 13y ago. A basking spot of approximately 78-82 °F is necessary for the lizard to metabolize calcium and warm its body. Tony Rivard first observed these two lizards on a South Pasadena. Males are generally larger than females. Gekkota: This group contains every single species of gecko, including those with eyelids. kingii was found on the basis of allozymes (Good 1988) to be the Panamint Alligator Lizard ( E. Alligator lizards Are semi-aquatic, which means they like to spend time both in and out of the water. The Mexican alligator lizard is an impressive creature. A caiman ( / ˈkeɪmən /; also cayman as a variant spelling [1] from Taíno kaiman [2] [additional citation (s) needed]) is an alligatorid belonging to the subfamily Caimaninae, one of two primary lineages within the Alligatoridae family, the other being alligators. AnteatersSharks. They're Lovers, not Cannibals! Our wet winter across the western U. The blue-tailed lizards are known as skinks. The crocodile skink, also known as the “red-eyed crocodile skink,” is a unique reptile native to New Guinea. Alligator lizards will bite, defecate, and run away if they are cornered, and good climbers will drop to the ground to escape. Ohio Governor John Kasich signed Senate Bill 310, a law regulating the possession of dangerous wild animals (DWA) and restricted snakes, into law on June 5, 2012. The Northern Alligator Lizard is named because it almost has a body that resembles an alligator. The species is endemic to the southwestern United States and adjacent northwestern Mexico. They can grow up to 13 feet long and have tiger-like stripes across their body. Anoles are the cute little lizards you see all over Puerto Rico. Because of their docile nature and unusual appearance, alligator lizards are extremely popular pets. This vast contrast in biomes makes Guatemala home to a large variety of herpetofauna. It typically has a long brown or black pellet-shaped portion with a smaller, semi-solid white “cap” or substance at the end. coerulea includes crickets, slugs, beetles, spiders, and moths, but it will also take larger prey, such as small lizards, and will even eat small baby mice if. Enjoy this expertly researched article on the Skink Lizard, including where Skink Lizard s live, what they eat & much more. As with most lizards, they may detach their tail. Largely unknown for Southern Alligator Lizards, although may be similar to northern species; Northern species studied by Rutherford and Gregory can be found under favored rocks and do not travel far throughout the year; only one out of 334 lizards moved as far as 750 m (slightly less than . Madrean Alligator Lizard. WACO, Texas — It's not every day you'll see an alligator in Waco unless you’re a daily visitor to the Cameron Park Zoo. Chinese crocodile lizards are the last surviving species of their genus and family, the Shinisauridae, which dates back more than 100 million years. You’re most likely to spot one during the daytime when it suns itself on rocks and logs. SDZWA Library Links. There have been many documented cases of alligator-crocodile hybrids. They are both reptiles of the order Crocodylia, so they are able to produce fertile offspring. In severe cases, blood pressure may fall. The Western Skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus), and the five-lined skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) are also among the lizards with blue tails. One thing to be grateful for is that Jamaica is home to zero venomous snakes! Ready to take a look at the most. Their limbs are short, but alligator lizards have long tails, sometimes as much as twice the body length. What we do know about crocodiles is that 6 out of the 23 species are dangerous to humans. Updated: 12/16/2022. It is known for raising its neck frill, or the extra flap of skin around its neck, in an effort to intimidate predators. You can find these lizards almost anywhere. When angry or trying to intimidate an. Background on Alligators. Because of their small size, North American lizards are easy for dogs and cats to catch and eat. multicarinata. Lizards vs Crocodiles (Video) Venemous; Common Diseases; Dangers Of Ownership; Physical Traits. When you think about dangerous wildlife in Florida, many people think about the alligator. In general, however, alligators are considered to be more aggressive than crocodiles. ©Steve Byland/Shutterstock. However, the most dangerous trait the monitor lizard possesses may be its aggressive and extremely ferocious personality. Plesiosaurs, pliosaurs, ichthyosaurs, and dinosaurs are part of the diverse group of now-extinct reptiles that were once found on Earth but that we are now unlikely to encounter. 9 inches snout to vent length. There is an actual animal here. Arizona alligator lizard. The southern alligator lizard can be found from northern Baja California to southern Washington, and their close relative, the northern alligator lizard, can be found from central California to southern British Columbia. He's a professor at the University of Florida and a member of the Croc Docs — a team of biologists and outreach specialists studying crocodilians, invasive reptiles, and threatened and endangered. but not the kind that you’re thinking o. Crocodiles are more dangerous than alligators because they are bigger, stronger, and more aggressive. That is still big if you were to accidentally encounter one in the wild!In the wild, black dragon lizards have few predators. San Diego Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata webbii) A somewhat common and very large lizard with short limbs and a long tail. The Western Fence Lizard is a spiny lizard with pointed scales. The term crocodile is sometimes used even more loosely to include all extant members of the order Crocodilia, which includes the alligators and caimans (family Alligatoridae. Green Highland Racer 3. Ekgarua kingii Body Length: 3 - 5" Diet: Insects and scorpions This large lizard has a long body, small limbs, and a long, thick tail. Differentiating Poisonous Lizards. S. It is served as a main dish in many Chinese restaurants, and it is also served in a variety of other dishes. Mexican Alligator Lizard (Abronia graminea) 22. 1 Colubrids (family Colubridae) 2. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North America and Oceania. However, if a Southern alligator lizard is accidentally ingested by a cat or dog, this can lead to temporary. Crocodile. Alligator lizards (Gerrhonotus) Transvolcanic aligator lizard (Barisia imbricata) Mexican aligator lizard (Abronia graminea). Common Chuckwalla; Collared Lizards. Sleep Habits. when you come close to a alligator lizard they calmly walk away. 2 - 15. American Alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis) The American alligator is an apex predator found in many lakes and rivers in Texas. Are Lizards Dangerous? Unless you are counting amphibians as lizards, only one species is actually dangerous to humans: the Komodo dragon. CC BY-SA 4. Birds also hunt for these small lizards. They require a specialized environment and diet, and can be very dangerous to humans. In conclusion, alligator lizards are not inherently dangerous to humans. Because their dorsal and ventral scales are reinforced with bone, they have a fold of skin along each side of its body to expand for breathing or to make room. Adult Gila monsters can grow to 2 feet long and weigh 5 pounds or more, making it our biggest native lizard. The specific name, kingii, is in honor of Phillip Parker King, an Australian-born Royal Navy officer who surveyed the coast of South America. Lizards are much less dangerous, but there is a large diversity of them to be found. The northern sagebrush lizard appears similar to the western fence lizard, but they are smaller in size (adults less than 2. Gekkota: This group contains every single species of gecko, including those with eyelids. In the case of alligators, the lower teeth are typically not visible when the. Alligator lizards do not typically bask in the sun out in the open or on top of a rock like many other lizard species. Etymology. There are only 2 species of poisonous lizards in the United States, The Gila monster and the Mexican beaded lizard, neither species is found in Texas. Elgaria kingii. The only poisonous lizard in the US – the Gila monster – lives in Nevada. Madrean alligator lizard . The spider is quickly devoured, her venom useless against the resistant lizard. Madrean Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii) One of the most secretive lizards of the Verde Valley, the Madrean Alligator Lizard tends to evade public eye and seeing one is a unique experience. panamintina ), a similar appearing species occurring 400 km (240 mi) to the northwest in canyons of the Inyo, White, Panamint, and other. Most lizards, in reality, are harmless to humans, as are most turtles; however, there are certain members of both groups that can kill, maim, make ill, or inflict at least mild levels of pain on their hapless human. The urban lizards. Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) Perhaps the most well-known venomous lizard is the Komodo dragon. See moreAre northern alligator lizards dangerous? No, alligator lizards are not dangerous; these lizards are common prey to birds,. 3. 5 inches long from snout to vent (length does not include the tail). Alligator lizards tend to feed on other lizards that are close to or greater than their own size. but not the kind that you’re thinking o. Here are some examples of the wildlife in Florida that can be dangerous to humans. The temperature in the nest determines sex of the offspring. Advertisement. In fact, the venom doesn’t appear to impact these lizards at all, allowing lizards to make a nourishing meal of dangerous spider prey. Some alligators and crocodiles can be equally aggressive, while others may be more docile. Fortunately, these small lizards, like the tiny gecko or anole, are not poisonous for dogs and cats to eat. They may enter your home searching for warm places like near light fixtures or heating vents. They are generally safe to eat when cooked properly. Turtles, tuatara, lizards and snakes, and crocodiles make up the major groups of living reptiles today, and they collectively account for over 8,700 species. Frozen imported meat from crocodiles, caimans, iguanas and pythons can be found in the EU. Young tegus begin life primarily as carnivores, mostly eating crickets, worms, roaches, and other insects. A person may not keep reptiles like alligators, lizards, dragons, etc. have a dangerous favorite food – the Black Widow Spider! This highly venomous spider doesn’t have very many predators, but Southern Alligator Lizards eat them frequently. Do Alligator swim? yes alligator lizards swim in shallow water but enough to swim in. The venom is so potent that it can even kill an elephant in one bite. Lions are carnivores, which means they like to eat meat. Are Skink Lizards Dangerous? There are no poisonous skinks. A majority of the eggs in a crocodile’s clutch will never hatch due to these factors. Vomiting. The species name occidentalis is simply the Latin word for the west. This species is however common in North America. Image Credit: John Rakestraw, Shutterstock. The northern alligator lizard is small with rough scales and a long tail. Elgaria coerulea; Identifying Characteristics: 2. Gila monster ( Heloderma suspectum) Richard Weymouth Brooks/Photo Researchers. The Panamint Alligator Lizard prefers sandy slopes, creek beds, and bajadas from 2,000 to 6,000 feet. Subjects > Animals & Plants > Reptiles. They are the largest lizards found on campus and range from 2 7/8 - 7 inches in snout to vent length (7. multicarinata) has red blotches on. ) They can be fairly large in size. American Crocodile 2. Alligator lizards are found from southern. Toggle Snakes subsection. The U. i see blue belly lizards more than daily outside my backyard they do not bite, though alligator lizards i see alot and have caught many, alligator lizards are alot more relaxed. The species is endemic to the central region of the American state of Texas, and south into adjacent northern Mexico . Any mice fed to a. Black dragon lizards are dangerous when provoked or. How to Trick or Treat Safely with Your Dog. Alligator lizards, despite their intimidating name, are generally not dangerous to humans. Crocs are also faster, achieving speeds of 22 mph on land. Why Lizards. The crocodiles you need to avoid Image by Ayzenstayn. In the wild, these lizards typically hunt during the day for their food. While alligator lizards are harmless, there are three types of poisonous lizards to be aware of in the southwestern United States and Mexico: the Gila monster, the Mexican beaded lizard, and the Western diamondback rattlesnake. That’s right – alligators aren’t lizards at all! So if you’ve ever wondered whether this popular belief is actually true or just an old wives’ tale, then read on for our definitive answer. Infection with this type of bacteria can lead to vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and lethargy. A large monitor lizard technically has the ability to kill a human. What do eastern fence lizards eat? Eastern fence lizards. Skip to contentThe alligator lizard is the most common reptile in the redwood forest and the most common one at Caz. Siamese crocodile is one of the world’s deadliest crocodile native to Indonesia, Brunei, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Advertisement. They are aggressive and will bite if threatened, which hurts but isn’t toxic. A bite from a lizard can be painful, but for the most part, it is not dangerous. . They are instinctual living machines. Unsurprisingly the two biggest killers are the. The alligator. Florida's tropical climate is perfect for lizards, but none of our native or invasive lizards are. Young alligators can grow back up to 9 inches of a lost tail, a study finds. They also have a unique set of scales on the. Today, we discover the seven most dangerous animals found in Texas’s lakes and rivers. Common in: Southern California. It belongs to the Abronia genus and the class of Reptilia, which also includes snakes and turtles. palmeri) The only visual difference is the number of scale rows on the back – location is your best tool for identification. com. panamintina ), a similar appearing species occurring 400 km (240 mi) to the northwest in canyons of the Inyo, White, Panamint, and other. The alligator lizard is not hesitant when facing the spider. They look like giant lizards – the name comes from the Ancient Greek word krokódilos which means lizard – and although they are not lizards, they are part of the reptile family. Symptoms and Signs Of about 3000 snake species throughout the world, only about 15% worldwide and 20% in the US are dangerous to humans because of venom or toxic salivary secretions (see table. They love to bask in the sun and hang out in yards and gardens in the warm months. As outlined by The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Library, Komodo dragons weigh upwards of 300 pounds and reach lengths of 10 feet, easily making them the world's largest and heaviest lizard. They might not even attack a human unless provoked. Mexican alligator lizards are used to cooler temperatures. ) snout to vent length and 254mm (10 in. Despite their intimidating name and appearance, alligator lizards are not considered dangerous to humans. . Alligator lizards have slender grey-brown colored bodies, ranging. The 16 lizards in Alabama that you may come across include: 1. That is about 57% of all permits. The southern alligator lizard ( Elgaria multicarinata ) is a common species of lizard in the family Anguidae. The Striped Legless Lizard is most commonly found in southern New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, where it grows on grass plains. Depends on where you are. That being said, eating a lizard is still not completely safe for dogs. First, let’s talk a bit about the diet of a Komodo dragon. Alligators are an ancient lineage of reptiles, who shared a common ancestor with birds around 245 million years ago, back when non-avian dinosaurs dominated the Earth. Conservation status: Least concern. Alligator lizards are found from southern British Columbia and the northwestern United States through Mexico and. But Gila monsters look puny. Most galliwasps are robust-bodied lizards with normally proportioned, complete limbs. Komodos arethe most dangerous, and also the largest extant living lizard species alive today, while Crocodiles are the largest reptile overall. Paul Edmondson (author) from Burlingame, CA on June 18, 2017: I hold them all the time. It is important to note that not all lizards are harmful or dangerous. The glass lizard, also known as the. Is a Chinese alligator dangerous? Chinese alligators are an endangered species. The researchers observed that anole lizards have “hydrophobic skin” that is water-resistant and allows for a thin layer of air to form around their bodies when they dive underwater. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and discoloration in the area around the bite as well as swollen lymph nodes. Monitor lizards can be dangerous to dogs if they feel threatened or if they are cornered. Find high-quality stock photos that you won't find anywhere else. Sierra Alligator Lizard (E. Alligators that, for example, are smaller than four. Alligator lizards are solitary creatures, living alone or in small groups. Our top-rated pet insurance plan can help cover up to 90% of the cost. 1 day ago · Mazzotti has spent the decades since studying crocodiles, alligators, and many other reptile species in Everglades National Park and beyond. Komodo dragons are deadly monitor lizards that regularly prey on animals that are larger than them and can easily kill a human being. There are three major natural disaster threats that Rome is susceptible to—wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Orange: Anniella stebbinsi - Southern California Legless Lizard. It is one of the most poisonous snakes in the world, its venom being complex and having a very fast cardiotoxic and neurotoxic action. One of the most iconic lizard species native to Australia and New Guinea, the frill-necked lizard is also called the frilled dragon. The adults living in urban areas had a 75 to 80 percent likelihood of having lost their tails, the authors write, compared to 55 to 60 percent for their rural counterparts. Adult alligators are much stronger than humans, making us naturally consider them as dangerous. For the lizards that do reside within Texas’ borders, hot and humid temperatures offer a great habitat for them. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. The endangered Mexican alligator lizard (Abronia graminea), also referred to as the green arboreal alligator lizard, is a lizard species exclusive to the elevated Sierra Madre de Oaxaca region in Mexico. One of the most important things to note about alligator lizards is that they are harmless to humans. Warmth: Lizards are cold-blooded creatures and need heat to regulate their body temperature. Alligator lizards are fascinating creatures found in various parts of North America. "While black widow bites are not usually dangerous, they are very painful and can. Northern alligator lizards are medium-sized slender lizards. 3 - 17. The North American west coast is home to the northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea), a medium-sized lizard species belonging to the Anguidae family. 3 5/8 - 6 inches long from snout to vent (9. Alligators are advanced reptiles. The types of lizards that people most commonly eat. In severe cases, blood pressure may fall. S. Guatemala has a large variety of habitats, from tropical rain forests, dry thorn scrubs, cloud forests, coastal marshes, pine forests, mountains and lowlands. But which of these three pose the greatest threat to humans? Alligators and crocodiles are both large reptiles that can be found in tropical climates. Gray: Area where Anniella are present but the species has not yet been determined. As ectothermic reptiles, an alligator’s body temperature changes based on the outside environment. If you handle some species, however,. com. Poisonous animals typically If you are asking what lizard is poisonous, you should know that there there are no known species of lizards that are poisonous. Is a chinease alligator dangerous. 0 / Glenn Bartolotti / wikimedia commons. Cornered by a dangerous predator, a gecko can self-amputate its still twitching tail, creating a fleeting moment of distraction - a chance for the lizard to flee with its life. There are three subspecies of the Southern Alligator Lizard: California Alligator Lizard (E. Lizards come in many shapes and sizes as the species differ. Western fence lizards measure 5. It is illegal to own an alligator or crocodile in California without a permit. But these can bite you if you corner them and they feel threatened by your presence so never attempt to do this. But which of these three pose the greatest threat to humans? Alligators and crocodiles are both large reptiles that can be found in tropical climates. In fact, the largest crocodilian species is the alligator snapping turtle, which can grow up to 6 feet in length and weigh over 100 pounds. You loop the rope around the neck of the lizard and pull on the opposite end to tighten it. They’re both large reptiles with lizard-like bodies, tough skin, long tails, stubby legs, elongated snouts, and large teeth. Crocodiles and alligators are large, predatory reptiles that pose a significant threat to humans. Floridians often say that the Argentine Black and White Tegu resembles an alligator but has more monochrome-colored skin. The male is biting the female’s head and neck region; this is termed the bite hold. Snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and turtles are all reptiles. This was a freshwater crocodile, the far less dangerous and smaller cousin of the saltwater crocodile. They seem to prefer sunny spots with some cover. long. Caiman. Smaller pets can potentially be seen as a prey. Tegus that are found in the wild can be legally trapped and killed. Please SUBSCRIBE NOW! is an Alligator on the loose in the hills of Northern California. It’s important to distinguish between alligator lizards and poisonous lizards. m. - A lizard with a unique nickname could be harmful to Florida's environment and possibly harmful to people, according to biologists. Are people dangerous to lizards? Lizards can be dangerous depending on if it has a poisonous sack. They. The Mexican alligator lizard, also known as Abronia Graminea, is an endangered species mostly found in Puebla, Veracruz, and Oaxaca. These creatures are commonly kept as exotic pets, but not nearly at the same volume as some other reptiles, like ball pythons or bearded. Aquarium staff that their bite is small and doesn’t cause lasting damage. Female alligators are fiercely protective of the nest and hatchlings and are especially dangerous. The largest of these species is the black caiman, a potentially dangerous animal. They belong to the family Anguidae and are commonly mistaken for their venomous counterparts due to their similar appearance. Geographic distribution of the Madrean Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii) in Arizona. Weakness, sweating, thirst, headache, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) may develop. This lizard, the Phrynosoma Cornutum, can be found from North Mexico to Carolina. Like many lizards, this species can drop its tail. Even birds are considered reptiles and still have similarities between them! Snakes and lizards are some of the most common types of reptiles in the world and are closely related. Kentucky’s change in regulation now prohibits pet ownership of dangerous animals such as elephants, lions, bears, tigers, rhinos, leopards and certain primates. The bites of American. They have very long tails and can grow to 5-7 inches long. They can live up to 10 years. Although some lizards eat plants, most lizards feed on insects. Scientific name. Inherently dangerous or endangered animals in Kentucky are banned, including venomous reptiles. All species of skinks share the same bright skin feature, which is why many assume they are poisonous. Amongst all of them, below listed are the most dangerous lizards:. It was a gift to an American zoologist in 1928 and was briefly on. Golden scale pattern of a reptile. The two extant species are the American alligator. Are people dangerous to lizards? Lizards can be dangerous depending on if it has a poisonous sack. Keep in mind, however, that lizard. The species is native to the Pacific coast of North America. Overheating your Mexican alligator lizard can be very dangerous, so make sure that the basking area is not getting above the required temperature. Snakes, bobcats, hawks, and coyotes will munch on one of these creatures if given a chance, but like many lizards, they can ditch their tails in a time of crisis. Alligator. 1. An alligator, or colloquially gator, is a large reptile in the Crocodilia order in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae. They have stiff armored scales. Panamint Alligator Lizard; Southern Alligator Lizard; Banded Geckoes. They will also eat insects, other reptiles (including snakes), birds, and amphibians. The 8 lizards in Arizona that we’re looking at in this article are the gila monster, desert horned lizard, elegant earless lizard, common chuckwalla, Arizona alligator lizard, desert iguana, ocellated bronze skink, and the. All species of skinks share the same bright skin feature, which is why many assume they are poisonous. 8. Do everything that you can to force the alligator to release you. Their coloration tends to vary by region. Most lizards lay eggs but some give birth to live young. Check areas such as corners of doors. Their colors vary based on their environment: while often black, alligators may also come in shades of brown, gray, and even green. Texas horned lizard. It is a prolific genus with over 391 worldwide, and there are 9 varieties on the island. Attempting to trap iguanas is not advised, as these larger lizards can be dangerous when agitated. The scientific name of the green arboreal alligator lizard is Abronia graminea. Crocodiles are bigger than alligators. For example, crocodiles, Caymans and alligators are lizards! These are not typical pets and definitely not something you want in your home. There are many different species of alligator lizard, and they vary in size, color, and patterns. he would simply observe the reptiles. two alligator lizards. Today, we discover the seven most dangerous animals found in Texas’s lakes and rivers. In fact, it is. The nearest relative of E. It has a long, laterally flattened tail and raised, horn-like scales along its back that offer some protection from predators. These lizards live in northern Australia and New Guinea. Georgia restricted ownership of Argentine black and white tegus in October 2022. All crocodiles should be avoided. Alligators are not as aggressive as crocodiles. Alligators are generally considered to be more aggressive, while crocodiles are more likely to attack humans if they feel threatened. These wild dragons typically weigh about 154 pounds (70 kilograms), but the largest verified specimen reached a length of 10. That being said, eating a lizard is still not completely safe for dogs. 12 inches (304 mm) in total length. This is a list reptiles in Guatemala, including snakes, lizards, crocodilians, and turtles. 3 m (6. It is closely related to the famed Gila monster and it also has a dangerous venom. Lifespan. The California Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata is a long brown, yellow or grey lizard with red blotches on the back and 9-13 dark bands on the sides, back and tail (CalHerps). Black Widow Spider. Southern alligator lizards are a familiar sight for most Californians. They are not dangerous by nature. Komodo dragons have the honor of being the world’s largest living lizard. It has a round thick body with small legs and a long somewhat prehensile tail that can be twice as long as the lizard's body. TAMPA, Fla. Five species of Viperidae, the poisonous family of snakes with the characteristic heat-sensitive pit between the eye and nostril on either side of a wide head, are found in North Carolina. 1–2. The Gila monster can also be found in the southwestern desert areas in the United States. Crocodiles and alligators are actually reptiles and not scientifically considered to be lizard species. Toggle Turtles subsection. However, they can be very dangerous to pets, especially if they are kept in small enclosures. In the wild, these lizards typically hunt during the day for their food. From fish-eating spiders to alligators, crocodiles. Reproduction The northern alligator lizard is live-bearing, producing up to 15 young (typically 4–5), between June and September.