Sceloporus occidentalis

Western Fence Lizard

Identification/Variations: By far and away the most frequently seen lizard of the Pacific Northwest. Found in abundance on both sides of the Cascade Mountains, the Western Fence Lizard can be seen basking on rocks, logs, fence posts, etc. A plain looking lizard above that is gray or brown, they have beautiful blue markings below earning them the nickname "Blue-Bellies."

Range/Habitat: Found almost everywhere in the Pacific Northwest except the cool and damp coasts and Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington.

Notes: These are very quick and can be difficult to capture. Finding them early in the morning while they are still cool has proven helpful when trying to get descent pictures.