National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Prince William Forest ParkCCC Officer in Chopawamsic Camp
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Prince William Forest Park
Lizards
lizard
National Park Service
 
skink

Skink
If you spot a fast streak of blue rushing under a rock at your approach, chances are you just spotted a skink. A skink is a type of lizard that can tolerate a temperate climate and enjoys living in building foundations, under logs, and in rock walls. They are extremely fast and you must be quick to see them out in the open. The young skinks have bright blue tails that will detach to help them escape from predators. They have very smooth skin and are sleek in appearance.

 
fence lizard on log

Sean McCann

Eastern Fence Lizard
These lizards can be even harder to spot than skinks!  They have amazing camouflage and lightning quick speed. Fence lizards are most often seen on trees or possibly scurrying under a bush.  They have a more typical 'lizard' appearance, with rough scaly skin.

Did You Know?  

Did You Know?
Prince William Forest Park protects the federally threatened orchid Isotria medeoloides, small whorled pogonia, of which several colonies have been identified in the park.

Last Updated: October 01, 2008 at 12:10 EST