Eastern Fence Lizard #25-4220

On December 12, the Wildlife Center of Virginia admitted an uncommon patient—a small Eastern Fence Lizard. The lizard was discovered on a homeowner’s patio in Charlottesville, where it had remained in the same spot for more than a week. Concerned about the reptile’s well-being, the homeowner brought it to the Center for evaluation.

Eastern Fence Lizards are small, spiny-scaled reptiles, typically gray to brown in coloration. They are most often found in woodland habitats, where their natural coloring allows them to blend easily into tree bark and rocks. Although they are native to Virginia, they are rarely encountered by the public; in the past decade, the Center has admitted only four other Eastern Fence Lizards for care.

Upon admission, the veterinary team found the lizard to be cold and lethargic but otherwise uninjured. Based on the time of year and the lizard’s condition, the team suspects it was interrupted during winter brumation—a dormant period similar to hibernation. During brumation, reptiles significantly slow their metabolism, heart rate, and activity to conserve energy and survive cold temperatures. When this process is disrupted, reptiles can become exposed to the elements and struggle to survive the winter.

Following the exam, the lizard was placed in a temperature-controlled, bioactive enclosure designed to closely mimic its natural environment. The enclosure provides access to water, live plants, rocks for basking and hiding, and appropriate lighting to allow for thermoregulation. Eastern Fence Lizards are insectivores, so the team is providing a variety of insects each day, including crickets and roaches. Because the enclosure is bioactive, insects are always present, allowing the lizard to hunt naturally.

So far, the lizard is doing well. The Center’s team plans to care for the small reptile throughout the winter months, until temperatures are consistently warm enough for a safe release in the spring.

What should you do if you find a reptile in winter?
If you find or accidentally uncover a reptile during winter, do not attempt to warm, feed, or relocate it. Call a permitted wildlife rehabilitator right away for guidance. In some cases, the animal can be placed back where found and resume brumation; others will need to be admitted for overwinter care until they can be safely released in spring.