Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in the Poconos on some very dry, rocky terrain. The area is replete with box turtles, garter and milk snakes and wood turtles. Occasionally I see salamanders on our property but it’s a rare occasion. I am absolutely fascinated by lizards particularly skinks but I never see any here. 18 miles away, however, I discovered a rock wall by a small business just crawling with five-lined skinks. The area seems pretty similar to my home grounds except for a nearby stream. I don’t think running water is a big habitat requirement for these reptiles, is it? What I’m puzzled about is how 18 mile could make so much of a difference for a land species. Could it be the elevation? Is there a way to attract them to my back yard? I was wondering if building a small rock wall of similar design might help. Yes, I’m serious and I apologize if this is a foolish notion. Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated.

all reptiles actually live in micro-habitats....in PA it is even worse....as you said....18 miles and no lizards.....here in my town./..never saw any lizards...go down the road 6 miles....and there are 2 ,maybe 3 species of lizards there....all about terrain....milksnakes....they are here...right in my town...within 3 blocks the cops got one from a cellar (holding an old lady at bay in the basement) and brought it here....I never find any....I actually don't look correctly.....never found a snake in my yard....never saw one in my parents yard...(they do).....snakes and lizards and turtles....it's all about habitat,location,and timing.....good luck.....and enjoy the 18 mile drives......

......(Pa is one of the worst herpin states I think)....
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........JY

Thanks JY! I was absolutely fascinated by your answer. And yes, it surprises people when I tell them this but I saw many more herps when I lived in NJ than I do here in PA. It still is cool that I can see 2 types of lizards in the Poconos but they are so few and far between.

herps are soooo habitat dependent....that once...while herping along a rail road bed...the left side had all garters and the right had all milksnakes.....and none were in center of traxx....
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........JY

Similar story:
I was in coastal South Carolina at a resort. I went for a nice hike in some woods and other microhabitats looking for herps, nothing. I walk back on the trail to the hotel. On the hotel grounds I see about a dozen skinks running around in an area about 5 yards by 10 yards. I even found one in the parking lot - caught it and put it out of harms way.

Do those things like altered habitat? Or are they just more visible in altered habitat?

THAT would be...altered....all the lights...the people just walking by and not really seeing them...the open areas for sunning and running around...lights = bugs....

in Florida at apartment complexes --I saw a toad under every light, every night....they are smarter than we think....
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........JY

It seems that in many cases man-made installations like apartment complexes, garden ponds, parking lots, drainage ditches, attract wildlife and supply them with adequate habitat…maybe even where naturally they would not be able to thrive. Even man-made debris like boards or aluminum siding, etc., can provide shelter for herps! I’m not saying that overdevelopment or littering is good but I am saying that many creatures are able to turn it to their advantage!