Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had snakes for many years and would like to try something different. I live in central Texas (Killeen) and have two questions. Is it legal to catch Alligator lizards in Texas? The second question is: where can I expect to find alligator lizards? I think they are the best looking lizards in the world! Any help you can give would be appreciated.
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One man with faith equals the majority.
Thomas Jefferson

I lived in Temple and Gatesville for a few years. I never saw one around there, but I never really looked for them in particular. They are supposed to be there on the Edwards Plateau though. Try around Lake Belton. Look for a place with lots of shade, cover, and humidity. The presence of green anoles might be a good indicator, but I could be wrong. I'll be in Gatesville looking for them myself next month.

I caught a few at the Barton Creek Hiking trail. They are really hard to see in the bushes (where they usually are). I had one run right in front of me.

I have never seen one in the Killeen area either. I have looked in Belton several times but did not see them there.

Good luck at Gateville!

Dave
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One man with faith equals the majority.
Thomas Jefferson

What was the hiking trail habitat like?

The trail is long and has several branches. The trail is well marked so you will not get lost. There are two places where the trail crosses a dry creek bed and goes on. There are a number of trail bike riders so you will have to be alert to avoid them.

The lizards are usually in the brush from one to four feet off the ground (I saw one about ten feet up a tree). They do not tend to move and give their position away. This makes them hard to see but easier to catch. Last weekend there were about four other people collecting but I still managed to find one. That will tell you how many there must be. Good luck

Dave

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One man with faith equals the majority.
Thomas Jefferson

Nice find! Are you planning on breeding them?

I guess its up to them LOL. I would like to hatch out a few and see how they grow. There is not enough work done with these great lizards. I have never found a book on them and about all I find on the net is a care page. Maybe this will be something I can do when I retire.

Dave
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One man with faith equals the majority.
Thomas Jefferson