So You Think You Want Lizards in Your Big Apple? A Guide to New York's Scaly Squad
New York City, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of... and apparently, lizards take up residence? That's right, folks, beneath the towering skyscrapers and flashing lights scuttle a surprising number of these reptilian roommates. But before you start picturing Godzilla chilling in Central Park, let's break down the real lizard situation in the Empire State.
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| What Lizards Are In New York |
The OG Lizards: Native New Yorkers
- The Eastern Fence Lizard: This classic sunbather is the furthest north you'll find its kind. Look for them basking on rocks or darting through fences (shocking, I know) in the southeastern corners of the state.
- The Northern Coal Skink: More secretive than their fence-loving cousins, these guys prefer the cool, damp shadows of forests near wetlands. Keep an eye out for their sleek black bodies with bright yellow stripes – and maybe a bonus blue tail on the youngsters (a flashy anti-predator trick!).
Fun Fact: Both these native lizards are whizzes at camouflage! So keep your eyes peeled and your phone camera ready – you might just snag a National Geographic-worthy pic.
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The Exotic Squad: Hitchhikers to the Big City
- The Italian Wall Lizard: Imagine this: you're chilling in Europe, then next thing you know, you're sunning yourself on a brick wall in Queens. That's the story of the Italian Wall Lizard, most likely accidental stowaways who've adapted surprisingly well to urban life. You can find them on Long Island and pockets of NYC, but their cold-blooded ways limit their northern expansion.
Word to the Wise: While the Italian Wall Lizard might be living its best life in New York, never release a pet lizard into the wild. It disrupts the ecosystem and can be harmful to the introduced species.
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How to Spot a New York Lizard in the Wild
- Keep your eyes peeled for sunbathers: Lizards are cold-blooded and need to soak up the rays to regulate their body temperature. Check out rock piles, fences, and building walls – especially in the morning and afternoon.
- Listen for the rustle: These little guys are quick, but they might give themselves away with a scuttling sound in the leaves or a chirp.
- Bring your patience: Lizards are masters of disguise. Be prepared to scan areas for movement or a flash of color.
Remember: Observe from a distance and avoid stressing out these fascinating creatures.
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Frequently Asked Lizard-y Questions
How to tell if a lizard is dangerous? In New York, you've got nothing to fear. All the lizards here are harmless and more interested in catching a tasty bug than your toes.
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How to care for a pet lizard? If you're considering a reptilian roommate, do your research! Different species have specific habitat and dietary needs.
How to help a lizard I found injured? Most humane thing to do is contact a wildlife rehabilitation center. They'll have the expertise to care for the injured lizard.
How to convince my roommate a lizard in the house is cool? Highlight the lizard's pest-control skills! They'll happily munch on any unwanted insects.
How to get over my fear of lizards? Start slow! Look up pictures of New York lizards – they're pretty cute. Then maybe observe them from a distance in the park. There's a whole world of fascinating reptiles out there!
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