GREAT FALLS — Montana of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks is asking for the public’s assistance in keeping track of the Greater Short-horned Lizard.
If you see one of these lizards, you're asked to let FWP know its location, the date you saw it, and a photo if possible.
The Greater Short-horned Lizard is a “species of greatest inventory need," meaning FWP does not have enough information on it to have a baseline on the lizard’s main locations within the state.
The Greater Short-horned Lizard is often mistaken for a toad but can be distinguished by its heart-shaped head with horns, as well as its tail. They tend to be the size of your hand, no larger than a cell phone, and can be found in grasslands or sparsely vegetated areas.
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“The public’s observations have been the best resource for us,as we’re trying to develop this good methodology,” said Brandi Skone, Region 4 Non-game Wildlife Biologist for FWP. “Really we found a lot more observations coming in from the public has been a way to kind of boost our database.”
The lizards are not very dangerous to humans, but FWP still suggests you respectfully observe them from a distance.
You can report a sighting via email or phone, or use nature apps such as iNaturalist or the Motana National Heritage Program’s app.
Montana FWP can be contacted by email at fwpais@mt.gov or phone at (406) 444-2440.
