Spring in Texas Means Danger: Discover the Texas Spiny Lizard You Didn’t Know You Needed to Fear!

Sun, 03 May 2026 23:02:36 +0000

Spring in Texas Means Danger: Discover the Texas Spiny Lizard You Didn’t Know You Needed to Fear Spring is officially here in Texas — and with warmer temperatures and blooming wildflowers comes more than just fresh air and scenery. Among the seasonal renewals of life comes an least-understood but increasingly common menace: the Texas Spiny Lizard. While many Texans welcome the arrival of spring, they may not realize that this spiky native reptile is more than just a passing curiosity — it’s a wild encounter you can’t afford to ignore. ### The Hidden Threat: What Is the Texas Spiny Lizard? The Texas Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus olivaceus), a member of the broader agamid family, is a common but often overlooked inhabitant of Texas brushlands and rocky outcrops. Known for its rough, spiky scales and cryptic grayish-brown coloration — perfect for blending into its desert surroundings — this lizard thrives in the state’s fluctuating spring climates. Though generally shy and quick to escape, it can appear suddenly in gardens, parks, and backyards during the warm season, catching unprepared residents off guard.