gregpauly's Identifications

FEMALE
Alligator lizard was not very happy with us, but she was released unharmed.

Southern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata) have a long alligator-like snout and large belly scales with dark markings on or in between the scales. The small legs are sometimes pulled up against the sides which makes them hard to see and can make a lizard appear to be a snake.
Northern and Southern Alligator lizards are very similar in appearance, but observing the color of the eye and the position of the dark stripes on the belly can help you differentiate them. There are 2 subspecies of Southern Alligator Lizards.

Characteristics of Southern Alligator Lizards:

More yellow or pale color around the pupils compared with the darker eyes of Northern Alligator Lizards
Dark marks or stripes run lengthwise down the belly in the center of the scales.
Males have a large, broad, almost triangular head compared to narrower head in females

Identifying Alligator Lizards in California: http://www.californiaherps.com/identification/lizardsid/elgaria.id.html

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HERPS: REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS (in general)

Amphibians and Reptiles of California: https://californiaherps.com

California Snakes Range Maps: https://californiaherps.com/snakes/snakesmaps.html

Amphibians Amphibiaweb: https://amphibiaweb.org/site.html

Reptile Database (worldwide) https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/