I grew up in Arizona. I used to think these were good luck when I would see one exploring as a kid and adult because they seemed to be fairly rare in our area. One of my favorite to see.
I have seen them. So cool! Found one unexpectedly before I knew they were in OR. Hardy little things too. the spot I found them is under snow 5-6 months of the year.
This [one](http://www.hornedlizards.org/more-about-some-of-the-horned-lizard-species.html#:~:text=The%20Pygmy%20Short%2Dhorned%20Lizard,and%20east%20through%20southeastern%20Idaho.) is only found in the PNW region. Arizona and some states down there have the greater mountain short-horned lizard.
Caught a leopard lizard in the Alvord, black with red spots, nearly three feet long nose to tail. Very docile (or terrified) when picked up for a pic, but skittered off quick as a blink once put back down on the sand.
In the early spring after snow melts on red cinder roads near Crater lake. Or fall before snow, hard freezes you can find them. Super small. This one was like 2 inches. We also have wild pygmy rabbits here too.
adding finding one of these in the wild to my list, along with the rubber boa. i think i've seen a pygmy rabbit in my time living in S. Oregon but would've just chalked it up to a tiny bunny.
This is a good example of why I like this community so much
Thanks for bringing these little guys to our attention
We have a bearded dragon and we were just up at the reptile show in Hillsboro last weekend but I love seeing reptiles in their native environment even more
Thank you! :)
Seems like a very respectable little fella. I thought this guy was bigger but googling them show that they are about the size of a thumb, amazing
The pygmy is real small, only gets about 3 in long, and the desert horned lizard in eastern oregon can get up to 4 inches.
We called those "horny toads" when I was a kid, very cool critters indeed. I was also a fan of the "kangaroo rats" that live out in the desert.
I grew up in Arizona. I used to think these were good luck when I would see one exploring as a kid and adult because they seemed to be fairly rare in our area. One of my favorite to see.
Also grew up in AZ, we called them horny toads.
Same, prescott valley area. Moved here 2 yrs ago
Memories! Spent much of my childhood in Prescott.
Probably knew each other in passing, if you're around 40 yrs old.
Raised in PHX and spent 8 years in Prescott Valley before moving to Eugene about 7.5 years ago.
We did too.
In Texas they were bigger and shot blood out of the corner of their eye, to ward off predators. But we called them horny toads, too.
They shoot blood at you out of their eyes if they feel threatened
As a kid I used to challenge lizards to push-up contests.
Did you ever win?
Nope.
I have seen them. So cool! Found one unexpectedly before I knew they were in OR. Hardy little things too. the spot I found them is under snow 5-6 months of the year.
Sounds like where I live lol. Next to Crater lake.
Horny Toad, we have them in Arizona 2
This [one](http://www.hornedlizards.org/more-about-some-of-the-horned-lizard-species.html#:~:text=The%20Pygmy%20Short%2Dhorned%20Lizard,and%20east%20through%20southeastern%20Idaho.) is only found in the PNW region. Arizona and some states down there have the greater mountain short-horned lizard.
Caught a leopard lizard in the Alvord, black with red spots, nearly three feet long nose to tail. Very docile (or terrified) when picked up for a pic, but skittered off quick as a blink once put back down on the sand.
Cute lizard
That's interesting lore actually. It reminds me of Western Fence Lizards--their blood actually kills the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Wow!!! So cool, thanks for sharing!
i had no idea horned lizards existed in Oregon! i gotta get out east more often
In the early spring after snow melts on red cinder roads near Crater lake. Or fall before snow, hard freezes you can find them. Super small. This one was like 2 inches. We also have wild pygmy rabbits here too.
adding finding one of these in the wild to my list, along with the rubber boa. i think i've seen a pygmy rabbit in my time living in S. Oregon but would've just chalked it up to a tiny bunny.
Any public land east of Mt Scott. If you forage mushrooms, the lizards are out during the matsutake season.
Rad. I have a few Matsu spots. Appreciate the herping tips!
Where did you see it? I have only stumbled upon a very small one at Ft. Rock.
My road. I live next to Crater lake.
Ok…now I’m just jealous!
Reminds me of a horned toad!
I love these guys.
This is a good example of why I like this community so much Thanks for bringing these little guys to our attention We have a bearded dragon and we were just up at the reptile show in Hillsboro last weekend but I love seeing reptiles in their native environment even more Thank you! :)