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Reptiles & Amphibians

I think it's a skink

18 years ago

Hi. I have an unexpected visitor in my house and managed to get it in a box for the night.

This is a lizard, maybe 6" or 7" long. It looks a lot like skink pics I've found online, but I can't tell by what I'm reading whether they live here in Western Washington (Seattle area) or not. I'd post a pic if I could.

It's a light brown or tan color and has a dark, maybe black, stripe down each side. The stripe has an almost checkerboard appearance probably from the scales and the way light reflects off them, starts at the eye, widens on the body, then narrows again and runs the lenghth of the tail. The tail gets really skinny and just tapers off. The head comes to a rounded point. It was on my kitchen floor and when I saw it again later it was kind of wrapped around the cord of the fan in my living room. It moves so quick, I'm amazed I caught it. It looks like a snake with little legs, it's knees (?) make little upside down Vs and it has 5 toes on each foot.

If you have any idea what this critter is, I'd like to know. Otherwise can you direct me to sites that might help ID it? I'm going to try searching some more. I won't keep it boxed long. It's so cute, would be lovely in a terrarium but it might not be legal to keep it and I think it would be happier outside anyhow. Thanks.

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Comments (3)

PurpleRainbow
Original Author
18 years ago
It's an alligator lizard. I found a pic online and thought I should let you know. Thanks anyway. If I get stumped again I'll be back.

:o)color>

Here is a link that might be useful: Alligator lizard
ILuvGinger
18 years ago
YOu have the right kind of mentality PurpleRainbow. Yes; it would look nice in a terrarium but you're kind enough to put the animal's best interests first.
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PurpleRainbow
Original Author
18 years ago
Well, I'm not sure how kind I really am, maybe it's more because of finding out what the critter eats and knowing it's more beneficial all around to release it which leaves me basically as selfish as they come. We did have a bit of fun, my GKs came over and got to see it and then saw it disappear when it was released. DD and I decided to do this because this is only the 2nd time we've ever seen one and they may never see one in the wild again. So maybe you're right, ILuvGinger, and the best interests of the lizard were paramount in the long run. I have this sneaking suspiscion that what's best for Mama Nature's creatures in the wild is best for all creatures including us. When I finally realized that we are truly a part of nature and not apart from nature my outlook on many things changed. Thanks for your kind words, no matter how we view things from our own perspective it's nice to know when others notice. You reminded of my little visitor and the joy he (she? it?) brought and made me smile. I hope you're having a wonderful day, you just made mine better.
:o)color>

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