What to Do If You See This Lizard in Montana

As spring slowly starts waking things up across Montana, many of us are itching to spend more time outside. Maybe it’s a walk along a trail, working in the yard, heading out camping, or just enjoying one of those sunny afternoons we’ve been missing all winter.

While you’re out there in the coming months, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has a small but important request for anyone spending time outdoors. They’re asking Montanans to keep an eye out for greater short-horned lizards and report any sightings.

A Small Lizard With a Big Role in Montana

The greater short-horned lizard might not be something you see every day, but it’s one of Montana’s more fascinating native reptiles. These little lizards are known for their spiky appearance and compact bodies, which can make them look a bit like a tiny prehistoric creature. They tend to blend in extremely well with the landscape, which means they’re easy to miss unless you’re really paying attention.

They’re typically found in dry grasslands, sagebrush areas, and open prairies, habitats common across eastern Montana.

Why Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wants Your Sightings

Wildlife officials in Montana are currently gathering more information about where these lizards are living and how their populations are doing. That’s where everyday Montanans can actually make a difference. By reporting sightings, you help biologists build a more complete database of where these animals are found, which enables them to track population trends and better understand the species.

The more information they collect, the better they can protect Montana’s native wildlife.

How to Identify a Greater Short-Horned Lizard in Montana

Greater short-horned lizards are usually small, round-bodied reptiles with short horns around their heads, which give them their name. Their coloring often blends seamlessly with the surrounding dirt and rocks, helping them stay hidden from predators.

They’re most active during the warmer months, especially on sunny days when they come out to warm themselves and search for food like ants and insects. Because they rely so much on camouflage, spotting one can feel like finding a hidden treasure in the landscape.

How to Submit Your Greater Short-Horned Lizard Sighting

If you happen to come across one while exploring Montana this spring or summer, Fish, Wildlife & Parks would love to hear about it. You can report sightings to help expand their records and contribute to ongoing wildlife research in the region. Even a single sighting can provide valuable information. Find out how to report your sighting here.

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Why Your Observations Matter This Spring

As the outdoor season gets rolling again, this is just another reason to keep your eyes on the ground when you're hiking, camping, or exploring the prairie. You never know when you might spot one of these tiny, well-camouflaged lizards quietly soaking up the sun. And if you do, you could help Montana wildlife experts learn a little more about one of the state’s more unique creatures.