Shark attacks mostly occur when a shark mistakes a human for a turtle or other creature. The Mexican alligator lizard, also known as Abronia Graminea, is an endangered species mostly found in Puebla, Veracruz, and Oaxaca. That is about 57% of all permits. Sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus gracious) The sagebrush lizard is small yet adaptable with a wide. Komodo dragons have the honor of being the world’s largest living lizard. Five things to know: Nearly 70 species of lizards have invaded Florida, the Everglades. There are more than 2,500 extant lizard species worldwide, ranging from 0. Are northern alligator lizards dangerous? No, alligator lizards are not dangerous; these lizards are common prey to birds, snakes, and even to common house cats. There are three major natural disaster threats that Rome is susceptible to—wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes. The first is the Seoane’s Viper, also known as the Baskian or Portuguese Viper. Location in Taxonomic Tree . They have stiff armored scales. Look Out for Amorous Alligator Lizards. These bright blue-green lizards live in trees and eat insects. Genus Gerrhonotus 41. Southern Alligator Lizards in California have a dangerous favorite food – the Black Widow Spider! This highly venomous spider doesn’t have very many predators, but Southern Alligator. Study now. On the other hand, alligators can be quite dangerous. How to Trick or Treat Safely with Your Dog. Alligator lizards are diurnal, which means they are most active during the day. That doesn’t mean that you should swim with an alligator. Crocodiles and alligators are both members of the. 4. Infection with this type of bacteria can lead to vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and lethargy. Even more surprising: a single lizard will not only eat one or two, but five spiders without any affectation. These include the eastern indigo snake, southern hognose snake and the. The two extant species are the American alligator. Alligators are also large reptiles that use vicious. Crocodiles and alligators have both killed human beings in the past, but several factors make crocodiles far more dangerous than alligators. Because of the crocodile’s size, it has more power and can therefore take the risks. The endangered Mexican alligator lizard (Abronia graminea), also referred to as the green arboreal alligator lizard, is a lizard species exclusive to the elevated Sierra Madre de Oaxaca region in Mexico. yes they are more dangerous. These reptiles do not possess venom glands. The name "alligator" is likely an anglicized form of el lagarto, the Spanish term for "the lizard",. Neon silver snake skin pattern texture background. Although some lizards eat plants, most lizards feed on insects. The complex venom of these lizards contains serotonin, arginine esterase, hyaluronidase, phospholipase A2, and ≥ 1 salivary kallikreins but lacks neurotoxic components or. An adult alligator lizard reaches around 4 inches long from the snout to the back side, not counting its tail. 0 / Glenn Bartolotti / wikimedia commons. Southern Alligator Lizards in Oregon . Large and venomous snakes require a permit. They eat insects and are preyed on by birds, mammals, and larger lizards. Species. One of the most important things to note about alligator lizards is that they are harmless to humans. 13 meters) and weighed 366 pounds (166 kilograms). The spiny lizard is a common visitor to backyards and fences in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona. Sagebrush lizards prefer to live in places with abundant shrubbery, especially sagebrush. 3 - 17. Alligators have a dark, blackish-grey color, whereas crocodiles have a lighter, olive green or brown hue. Alligator lizards move somewhat slower than western fence lizards and often can just be grabbed gently by hand and taken outdoors. While alligator lizards may be the most well-known species with a resemblance to alligators, there are three other species that should be noted for their poisonous nature. Sleep Habits. Alligators are an ancient lineage of reptiles, who shared a common ancestor with birds around 245 million years ago, back when non-avian dinosaurs dominated the Earth. Black Widow Spider. Three native species have possibly been extirpated from the state. ) They can be fairly large in size. While they can be wounded, their bites are not life-threatening. These lizards play a crucial role in desert pest control, helping keep these ecosystems balanced. Any mice fed to a. According to the International Reptile Conservation Foundation, the alligator lizard is "severely endangered" due to habitat destruction and degradation and to illegal collection for the international pet trade. Their bellies are cream coloured with brown spots that fade towards the back of the lizard and become darker towards the throat. These lizards live in northern Australia and New Guinea. 9 centimetres or 2. Despite their small size, Northern Alligator Lizards are formidable predators. In the wild, Nile monitors face several predators, including crocodiles, leopards, and lions. They are native to certain areas of Mexico. Madrean Alligator Lizard. Are alligator lizard poisonous? With their large heads and powerful jaws, alligator lizards are capable of inflicting a nasty and painful bite. When the temperature dips to uncomfortable levels, the reptiles go dormant. Whiptail lizards (and probably a few other types of lizard), donkeys, long-haired goats, iguanas and flamingos will probably make their presence known. Aquarium staff that their bite is small and doesn’t cause lasting damage. Overheating your Mexican alligator lizard can be very dangerous, so make sure that the basking area is not getting above the required temperature. Komodo dragons are undoubtedly one of the world’s largest and most dangerous lizards. "When I was a wee graduate student, I read that alligator lizards could eat black widows," Chris Feldman,. An alligator, or colloquially gator,. Exclusion. These reptiles do not possess venom glands. Preferring little meals they can consume in one or two bites, alligators eat almost any kind of meat, be it birds, fish, small mammals, or even other reptiles. 1. It can reach up to two feet in length and has a wide variety of colors, including gray, green, black, brown, and pink. These creatures are commonly kept as exotic pets, but not nearly at the same volume as some other reptiles, like ball pythons or bearded. My goals were to 1) assess patterns of tick presenceThe genus alligator covers large reptiles in the Crocodilia order that make up the family Alligatoridae with two living species:. Indigenous species include one species of crocodilian, 12 lizard species, 49 snake species, and 31 turtle species. Poisoning: Lizard poisoning is incredibly rare, considering most lizards don’t carry enough poison to affect a dog if eaten seriously. 4 mm) SVL (snout to vent length), with the females being an inch or so smaller than the males. Subjects > Animals & Plants > Reptiles. The monitor lizard also knows no loyalty. When they spot an animal, they will quickly snatch. The Komodo Dragon is the largest lizard in the world, and also one of the most dangerous monitor lizards. Alligators are. IUCN Red List Status: Endangered. com. Birds also hunt for these small lizards. Amongst all of them, below listed are the most dangerous lizards:. Geographic distribution of the Madrean Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii) in Arizona. The University of Florida's Croc Docs regularly handle crocodiles and alligators, but Frank Mazzotti says it's not as dangerous as you might think. It is common knowledge that alligators, crocodiles, and sharks are all dangerous animals. Females measure approximately 8. Today, we discover the seven most dangerous animals found in Texas’s lakes and rivers. Gray: Area where Anniella are present but the species has not yet been determined. Elgaria coerulea; Identifying Characteristics: 2. Are Skink Lizards Dangerous? There are no poisonous skinks. Alligator lizards are generally dark-colored, with patterns that can range from spots to stripes. Some tegu lizard species are still legal to own in Georgia, but because tegus are an invasive species it is illegal to release them in the wild. Snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and turtles are all reptiles. Story. The King Cobra has a powerful venom which is used to paralyze its prey before ingesting it. Geographic distribution of the Madrean Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii) in Arizona. The genus name Sceloporus is derived from two Greek words: Skelos, meaning leg, and porous, meaning pore or hole. Reproduction The northern alligator lizard is live-bearing, producing up to 15 young (typically 4–5), between June and September. Mexican alligator lizards are used to cooler temperatures. The alligator lizard reaches its maturity in about 18 months and can live as long as. Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Mutch says the alligator lizards are gone now. While lizards typically prefer to avoid confrontation, in some cases they can bite or poison dogs. The North American west coast is home to the northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea), a medium-sized lizard species belonging to the Anguidae family. Unlike dangerous, 12-foot alligators, Alligator Lizards pack a crocodilian’s voracious predatory appetite and boney scales into a harmless 6-inch body. Luckily, these lizards aren’t very aggressive. ©Matt Cornish/Shutterstock. Louisiana. This species is however common in North America. Florida is home to some pretty fantastic animals. Above Image: A pair of mating southern alligator lizards observed by Jacob, Oscar (age 5), and Mae (age 4) org/observations/73385631 in their. Because their dorsal and ventral scales are reinforced with bone, they have a fold of skin along each side of its body to expand for breathing or to make room. What is Montana's state reptile?Even veteran breeders often warn potential owners that alligators are very dangerous to keep in homes, should only be kept with proper guidance, abundant space, proper safety equipment, plenty of free time, and a deep passion for owning dangerous pets. Along the sides of the body, between the dorsal and ventral scales, there is an area. Image by Tedd Greenwald via iNaturalist. Elgaria coerulea; Identifying Characteristics: 2. Let’s take a closer look at lizard risks. But Gila monsters look puny. However, if a Southern alligator lizard is accidentally ingested by a cat or dog, this can lead to temporary gastrointestinal issues, so consulting with a qualified vet is recommended. Despite this, little is known about host-parasite dynamics in alligator lizards. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about lizard safety around dogs. However, they tend to avoid people, so encountering one is highly unlikely. Now with high-quality pictures. Rhinoceros Iguana (Rhinoceros Iguana). As outlined by The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Library, Komodo dragons weigh upwards of 300 pounds and reach lengths of 10 feet, easily making them the world's largest and heaviest lizard. ∙ 13y ago. In severe cases, blood pressure may fall. All victims were owners or family of the owners. Photo by Envato Elements. S. As you’ll go for a hike or bike ride across Aruba, you’ll likely spot some Caribbean animals most common to the island. Prior to the amendment, residents were able to apply for licenses to own exotic animals as pets. So, if you encounter an alligator vs. The bites of American alligators rank sixth. Alligator lizards (Gerrhonotus) Transvolcanic aligator lizard (Barisia imbricata) Mexican aligator lizard (Abronia graminea). Louisiana has strict laws regarding ownership of threatened or endangered species. Size Crocodiles are 14 to 17 feet on average. Crocodile snouts are pointed and V-shaped, whereas alligator snouts are U-shaped. Floridians often say that the Argentine Black and White Tegu resembles an alligator but has more monochrome-colored skin. Adult Komodo dragons will eat their young and other dragons but typically eat carrion as their primary food source. Dehydration. A large thick-bodied lizard with very roughly-textured black and pink skin that appears beaded. Typically, sharks do not actually want to eat humans. Respecting their natural habitats and appreciating. Toggle Turtles subsection. They are instinctual living machines. The two extant species are the American alligator ( A. Mexican beaded lizards have a long lifespan, often. They frequently inhabit urban areas. The 16 lizards in Alabama that you may come across include: 1. Gila monsters are the biggest native lizard in the U. Don’t forget about. San Francisco Alligator Lizard Elgaria coerulea coerulea: Video: Range shown in Red and adjacent Gray : Dark lines on. It is a heavy, slow-moving reptile, up to 56 centimetres (22 in) long, and it is the only venomous lizard native to the United States. In fact, alligator. S. Biting is not a common way for lizards to defend themselves and only happens when you try to pick one up. The blue-tailed lizards are known as skinks. Inherently dangerous or endangered animals in Kentucky are banned, including venomous reptiles. The western black widow spider (Latrodectus hesperus) may spin a. The venom is so potent that it can even kill an elephant in one bite. ) They can be fairly large in size. Birds, rodents and other lizards are part of what a tegu would eat in the wild. Usually seen sitting on top of desert rocks. Overheating your Mexican alligator lizard can be very dangerous, so make sure that the basking area is not getting above the required temperature. Weakness, sweating, thirst, headache, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) may develop. 3. Above Image: A pair of mating southern alligator lizards observed by Jacob, Oscar (age 5), and Mae (age 4) org/observations/73385631 in their front yard in the Valley Village neighborhood of Los Angeles on April 7, 2021. While they may look intimidating due to their resemblance to alligators, they pose no threat. These lizards often attain considerable size, their heads are of the diamond shape popularly thought to. And while size doesn't always equate to lethality, the Komodo dragon is easily the world's deadliest lizard too. Is an alligator lizard dangerous? Alligator lizards are an endangered species. There are three subspecies of the Southern Alligator Lizard: California Alligator Lizard (E. 75-5. The Northern Alligator Lizard is a small species of lizard, typically measuring between 5 and 8 inches in length. It does take practice to use it properly, but it’s the easiest and fastest way to catch a loose skink. It has a round thick body with small legs and a long somewhat prehensile tail that can be twice as long as the lizard's body. Largely unknown for Southern Alligator Lizards, although may be similar to northern species; Northern species studied by Rutherford and Gregory can be found under favored rocks and do not travel far throughout the year; only one out of 334 lizards moved as far as 750 m (slightly less than . Photo courtesy of Dave Prival. From Baja California to British Columbia, we need your help to study their mating behavior. Lions are carnivores, which means they like to eat meat. In Florida, feeding wild alligators is illegal. Typically, alligators won’t make their home in the Brazos River, so. New Caledonian Giant Gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) 23. 2 cm). The caiman is a member of the caecilians, a group of reptiles that includes alligators, turtles, lizards, and snakes. Lizards in Alabama. Is a Chinese alligator dangerous? Chinese alligators are an endangered species. If the victim survives, there is a high risk of infection. It has a round thick body with small legs and a long somewhat prehensile tail that can be twice as long as the lizard's body. The tail. Identifying Alligator Lizards in California. Scientists think a major reason why crocodiles lay so many eggs is due to the infant mortality rate of the animals. Next are the teeth. American alligators are reptiles, and they are members of the Crocodylia order. They have blackish-green bodies with differing patterns of bright yellow spots and stripes. Their enclosure should be a minimum of 30″ long and set up like a woodland floor, with moderate humidity less than 50% and temperatures ranging from a low of 65°F. Males tend to grow larger and bulkier than females. Monitor lizards can make an excellent pet for the right person, but they are a much different experience than owning a pet like a dog or a cat. Length. Unlike the other lizards on this list, the American alligator is native to Florida and not invasive. There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual animal ‘s personality. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and discoloration in the area around the bite as well as swollen lymph nodes. yes they are more dangerous. They can live up to 10 years. Lizards will consume water droplets that collect on the enclosure’s foliage and walls after sprinkling, but you can add a bowl of pure water that keeps Mexican alligator lizards hydrated at all times. The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is a particularly dangerous shark. Home Animals Reptiles Are Alligators Dangerous To Humans? What You Need to Know. Northwestern salamander larvae and terrestrial adults are mildly poisonous, which generally allows them to survive alongside predators. 2 feet in length while male alligators average a length of 11. The state’s waters are crawling with them. but not the kind that you’re thinking o. Lizards are a popular delicacy in many parts of the world. A short-term solution, this method also requires a quick hand. It’s critically endangered with population numbers decreasing dramatically. 1–2. List of reptiles of Washington. There are three subspecies of the Southern Alligator Lizard: California Alligator Lizard (E. 3 feet (3. com. 5 inches long from snout to vent (length does not include the tail). They are saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus), and they hold the record for the most bites. Snakes, bobcats, hawks, and coyotes will munch on one of these creatures if given a chance, but like many lizards, they can ditch their tails in a time of crisis. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Deer Waterfowl Duck, Goose, Teal, Rail, Gallinule, and Snipe Dove Woodcock Small Game Quail, Rabbit, and Squirrel Turkey Other Resident Game Birds Crow and Pheasant Alligator Furbearers Beaver, Bobcat, Coyote, Fox (Gray and Red), Mink, Muskrat, Nutria, Opossum, River Otter, Raccoon, and Skunk Depredation Order Blackbird, Cowbird, and. They were around in the Mesozoic era, in the time of the dinosaurs! Alligators are one family of animals in the order Crocodilia, which belongs to the subclass of reptiles known as Archosauria. Northern alligator lizard. Skip to contentThe alligator lizard is the most common reptile in the redwood forest and the most common one at Caz. The scientific study of these animals is called “herpetology” and the people that study these two groups often refer to them as “herps. and the latter is an especially dangerous place to be within striking distance of an alligator. Despite their intimidating name and appearance, alligator lizards are not considered dangerous to humans. Alligator lizards are capable of complement-mediated killing of the Lyme disease spirochete carried by ticks and may potentially reduce Lyme disease prevalence by cleansing pathogenic organisms from ticks. With a slender body and long tail, this spiny visitor. These monitors can use their long, powerful tails like a whip for defense. It is a prolific genus with over 391 worldwide, and there are 9 varieties on the island. It typically has a long brown or black pellet-shaped portion with a smaller, semi-solid white “cap” or substance at the end. In fact, these horrifically creepy crawlies are notorious for being of the world’s deadliest and most dangerous animals, and certainly the most poisonous spider in all of the Americas. Punch the alligator, poke it in the eyes, hit it in the head. Panamint Alligator LizardAlligator lizards, which can reach two feet in length, also are covered in colorful, rectangular scales with dark crossbands. The U. Alligator lizards are solitary creatures, living alone or in small groups. Adult Komodo Dragons weigh between 150 to 200 pounds. The adults may live up to 50 years and are from 8 to 15 inches long. The species is native to the Pacific coast of North America. 5. Background: The Crocodilian Family Tree. The color of lizard poop is typically black, with a white cap at the end. Northern Alligator Lizard. Orange: Anniella stebbinsi - Southern California Legless Lizard. Common in: Southern California. Larger crocodiles tend to eat larger prey items, however the average size of prey for all Freshwater Crocodiles is generally small (mostly less than 2cm²). Like many lizards, this species can drop its tail if attacked, possibly giving it a chance to flee. The temperature in the nest determines sex of the offspring. Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Average Lifespan in the Wild : 50 years. They live in the desert regions of Mexico. Caimans inhabit Mexico and Central & South America from marshes and. Adult Gila monsters can grow to 2 feet long and weigh 5 pounds or more, making it our biggest native lizard. 1. In the wild, these lizards typically hunt during the day for their food. 5 feet) and weigh up to 70–80 kg (150–180 lbs). It quickly approaches the. Black dragon lizards are dangerous when provoked or. fish, frogs, toads, lizards, turtles, snakes, young crocodiles, and other reptiles, birds and their eggs, and small mammals. Is a chinease alligator dangerous. 1990–2010: 10 deaths. Alligators are strong, huge, apex predators that control their habitats. Smaller pets can potentially be seen as a prey. Georgia restricted ownership of Argentine black and white tegus in October 2022. Learn more Watch on YouTube Watch on Is a small alligator dangerous? Small alligators are, generally, not that dangerous. It belongs to the Abronia genus and the class of Reptilia, which also includes snakes and turtles. The most dangerous lizards in Florida are invasive species, such as the Cuban Knight Anole, Green Iguana, Argentine Black and White Tegu, Tokay Gecko, and Nile Monitor. Southern Alligator Lizards in the United States have a dangerous favorite food – the Black Widow Spider!. However, it is important to note that. An adult Northern Alligator Lizard can cost as little as $50 or as much as $75. Monitors are dangerous to pets and small animals. You loop the rope around the neck of the lizard and pull on the opposite end to tighten it. Unlike most lizards and reptiles, female Northern Alligator lizards give birth to their young ones—as many as. Water from leaking pipes, stagnant water from small garden ponds, and even water from the kitchen sink could keep lizards around your home. It has a typical lifespan of 5 to 7 years in the wild. These lizards are primarily found in forested areas at elevations of 1,000 to 11,000 feet. It kinda looks like an alligator lizard, if you are in California or somewhere. The California Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata is a long brown, yellow or grey lizard with red blotches on the back and 9-13 dark bands on the sides, back and tail (CalHerps). and are an invasive. Northern Alligator Lizard. Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) Perhaps the most well-known venomous lizard is the Komodo dragon. The alligator lizard is not hesitant when facing the spider. In this order are 23 different species, including the American alligator. In the wild, these lizards typically hunt during the day for their food. The name “alligator lizard” derives from the fact. They found that on the spectrum of regenerative ability, alligators fall somewhere between lizards and mammals. The species is endemic to the southwestern United States and adjacent northwestern Mexico. That being said, eating a lizard is still not completely safe for dogs. While Portugal is home to several species of snake, only two make our dangerous animals list. Common Chuckwalla; Collared Lizards. The species name occidentalis is simply the Latin word for the west. Including tail, it can reach a foot in length (30 cm). ) snout to vent length and 254mm (10 in. 3 5/8 - 6 inches long from snout to vent (9. Alligator lizards are a type of lizard that is found in North and South America. While they may exhibit defensive behaviors if they feel threatened, such as hissing or biting, they are unlikely to cause any serious harm. Alligator lizards have long, slender bodies that help them move quickly and stealthily. Copy. multicarinata) has red blotches on. Crocodiles and alligators are actually reptiles and not scientifically considered to be lizard species. Keep in mind, however, that lizard. When early Spanish explorers first discovered these massive reptiles, they called them “el legarto,” or “big lizard. Although the site is open to the general public, librarian services and some resources are reserved for SDZ Global staff and volunteers. 5 inches long from snout to vent (length does not include the tail). It hunts and feeds primarily on small insects and invertebrates. The white cap is uric acid, which is excreted from the cloaca. In. They seem to prefer sunny spots with some cover. Crocodiles and alligators are large, predatory reptiles that pose a significant threat to humans. Fast Facts. While the brown portion is the lizard’s poop, the white part is essentially the lizard’s urine. The others are species of Mexican beaded lizards that are found in Guatemala and Mexico. The cloaca allows the lizard to defecate and remove uric acid from the body. 1. Green Highland Racer 3. American alligator. American Alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis) The American alligator is an apex predator found in many lakes and rivers in Texas. multicarinata) has red blotches on. While baby alligators may be smaller than their crocodile cousins, they are certainly faster. The Texas spiny lizard is a small reptile native to Mexico and the south-central region of the United States. They are not territorial and have a home range of 1 to 2 acres. In urban areas, including the Greater Los Angeles Area, they are the most widespread lizards, found from Pasadena porches to. It belongs to the Abronia genus and the class of Reptilia, which also includes snakes and turtles. They are harmless bur can be aggressive and will bite. Alligators are generally considered to be more aggressive, while crocodiles are more likely to attack humans if they feel threatened. Is a chinease alligator dangerous. Dan Keyler, a senior clinical toxicologist for the Pet Poison Helpline, shares his knowledge of some of the other toxic reptiles that commonly come into contact with pets. That’s right – alligators aren’t lizards at all! So if you’ve ever wondered whether this popular belief is actually true or just an old wives’ tale, then read on for our definitive answer. Southern California’s alligator lizards eat the arachnids with abandon, and seem to have evolved immunity to their toxins. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are not poisonous and will not. states of Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico and the Mexican states of Sonora and Sinaloa. 75-5. It is known for raising its neck frill, or the extra flap of skin around its neck, in an effort to intimidate predators. They may enter your home searching for warm places like near light fixtures or heating vents. The Madrean alligator lizard (Elgaria kingii) is a species of lizard in the family Anguidae. These wild dragons typically weigh about 154 pounds (70 kilograms), but the largest verified specimen reached a length of 10. When caught in their grasp, it’s nearly impossible to fight back against a crocodile. Box 709 Tucson, Arizona 85702-0709. Crocodiles are bigger than alligators. Example: when you go to close to a blue belly lizard, they run away fast. Diet. Poisonous animals typically If you are asking what lizard is poisonous, you should know that there there are no known species of lizards that are poisonous. The snakes, coyotes, bobcats, and hawks are among the predators. We have the Southern Alligator. If you handle some species, however,. These lizards are carnivorous, and they have a very diverse diet. Because an alligator lizard may bite, you can wear a glove when you grab it. Alligator. Some monitor lizard species have sharp. 5 inch lizard with a long body and small limbs, with a long and thick tail. All species of skinks share the same bright skin feature, which is why many assume they are poisonous. Introduction. Bear Grylls calls crocodiles the ‘ultimate predators’. 3 Boas (family Boidae) 3 Turtles. The Nile monitor is a semi-aquatic lizard that is not native to Florida. Tetanus prophylaxis should be given (see table ). They are the largest lizards found on campus and range from 2 7/8 - 7 inches in snout to vent length (7. Alligators are generally considered to be more aggressive than crocodiles, but crocodiles are more likely to attack humans. But which of these three pose the greatest threat to humans? Alligators and crocodiles are both large reptiles that can be found in tropical climates. They may enter your home searching for warm places like near light fixtures or heating vents. Alligators Have A “U-Shaped”, Crocodiles Have A “V-Shaped” Snout. Chinese crocodile lizards are the last surviving species of their genus and family, the Shinisauridae, which dates back more than 100 million years. Example: when you go to close to a blue belly lizard, they run away fast. If you've got a hand in its mouth, stick it down in its gullet. ) total length (Nussbaum et al. That is still big if you were to accidentally encounter one in the wild!In the wild, black dragon lizards have few predators.