The northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea ) is a species of medium-sized lizard in the family Anguidae. The species is endemic to the North American west coast.
The Northern alligator lizard is a medium-sized reptile native to the North American west coast. It has a distinct skin fold on each side, separating the keeled scales on the back from the smooth ventral scales. The skin varies in color but can be brown and white or greenish-yellow and brown. Dorsally, this lizard is brownish in color and often has dark blotches that sometimes blend together into bands. The throat and mouth area of some young individuals can be yellow. The belly is light gray and the eyes are dark.
Northern alligator lizards occur along the Pacific Coast and in the Rocky Mountains from southern British Columbia through Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana south through Oregon to the coastal range and the Sierra Nevada in central California. These lizards live in a variety of forested habitats, montane chaparral, and in areas along streams.
Northern alligator lizards are diurnal social creatures. During warm summer days they often warm in groups under warm rocks, bark, or in rotten logs. In winter they hibernate in burrows under the ground. Northern alligator lizards are very secretive and when sensing danger they flee to the nearest safe place and hide; if captured they may bite or detach their tail. They are also very good swimmers and often use water to avoid predators.
Northern alligator lizards are carnivores (insectivores). Their diet includes crickets, beetles, spiders, and moths, but they will also take larger prey, such as small lizards, and will even eat small baby mice if given the opportunity.
Northern alligator lizards breed in spring when they emerge after hibernation. Females reproduce every 2 years and give birth up to 15 live young (typically 4-5) between June and September. Hatchlings are born fully-developed and are able to take care of themselves at birth.
Northern alligator lizards are not endangered at present, however, they suffer greatly from continuous destruction of their habitat.
According to the IUCN Red List, the total adult population size of the Northern alligator lizard is unknown but surely exceeds 10,000 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
