Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in Southern California (Inland Empire near Riverside) and its getting colder and the days are getting shorter. I have noticed that my alligator lizard is burying her entire body but leaving her head out. Is this normal hibernating behavior? I have a heat lamp so the temperature of her surroundings is a comfortable temp. She is well fed but I have noticed that she eats less now that its getting closer to winter time. Is this normal also?

My adult als are also spending a lot more time hiding. Since the temperature dropped, I haven't seen any of them out on their branches in the afternoon. I've cut back on food although they still eat whatever I put in within a couple of days. I've turned off their heat pad and allowed their temps to change with that of my room which doesn't receive much heat. They're all pretty fat, so I figure a little winter fasting will do them some good

-Alice

Thanks for the info. I was getting worried that my female was freaking out for some reasons or another. I've noticed that when she is out, she's into excessive digging. The place looks like piles or hills of substrate everywhere! I thought I have lost her several times but when I look closely, I can see her hed peaking out at different locations but with her entire body covered.