Hello one and all. I found a lizard yesterday and as a photographer I took pictures of it. Well, I left it alone, and it was gone, but I'm going to look for it today. If I do find it, I may decide to keep it, but wanted to check here first.
I live in North Carolina, up in the mountains. It's fall time here so the little guy was probably going down someplace warmer under a rock.

Here are the pics:
Image 1, body

Image 2, for size!

Image 3, close up of head

Image 4, body pic (with good view of tail)


So, what is he/she? What does it eat? Is it poisonous? Can I keep it? XD That is, if I find it again first.

Thanks bunches!!!!
(Even if I never find it again, that's the advantages of taking pictures... I think I took about 60)

It looks like some sort of fence lizard, im not really familiar with lizards native to the east coast.

I would advise against taking animals out of their natural habitat, it can cause damage to the local populations that takes a long time to repair. If you want a lizard that is similar in appearance but widely availible in the pet trade do some research on emerald swifts. Just remember to reseach first and get the pet later.

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“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

~Lacey~

My Photos

That's a northern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus). They typically don't do so well in captivity as wild-caught animals. I'd recommend keeping it as a photograph only.

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"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." - John Benfield

@Moshpitrockchick:
Umm... so... What? That's like, every little kid's dream right there, that you said not to do.. I had a salamander when I was little. I guess I wasn't supposed to? Oh well.. I never found the lizard again, so don't worry. Thanks for suggesting that alternate species though. I might look into it. ^_^


@furryscaly:
This is what I needed. Thanks. I'd like to do some research on them as well, because that's the first one I've seen. Ever. I hope I see another though...




Thanks for all your help!

Yeah, if they're not too common, that's just one more reason to leave them where they're at so the population can stay as strong as possible. Hope you can find more out there though!

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+5 bonus points to whoever finds me a job!

"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." - John Benfield

There's no need to be rude!
What Lacey was getting at is, if you don't know what it is, you may be removing from the wild population an animal that is endangered or threatened.
As well as being a damage to the population of the species, it can get you ARRESTED!!!

As an example:
for all you knew that could be one of the only pair of this species in the area and by removing that one you could literally wipe out that species in your area and no one would ever see one again!

Granted most of us started out as youngsters by catching native animals and keeping them. But if the truth is acknowledged, sadly, many of those first captives died! That is genetic material that was lost forever.
I personally see no problem with someone occassionally collecting a species out of a large and viable popualtion IF you know what it is and can provide the proper care. And as long as it wasn't a protected species.
With the state of our fragile ecology and many species headed toward extinction, these days anything else is irresponsible.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

I will admit I have had wild caught pets but when you don't know what you are dealing with it can be detrimental as Merlin said. Some places will allow you to harvest wild animals by permit so if you have your heart set on one you could try calling your department of natural resources or local forest service. Generally speaking though wild animals do not adjust well to captivity, and if it doesn't it can be considered a crime to release the animal!

__________________

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

~Lacey~

My Photos