Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is currently seeking sightings of greater short-horned lizards. You can help by reporting your observations to build a database on these fascinating creatures.
To report a sighting, please email fw*****@**.gov and include the date, GPS coordinates, or detailed location description, photos, and email address for follow-up.
While reporting, please only take photos of the horned lizards. Do not handle, move, or cause harm to them, as horned lizards are intricately tied to their ecosystems and do not survive well in captivity. Please leave them where you find them.
Greater short-horned lizards, often referred to as “horny toads” or “horned toads,” are challenging to find during structured FWP surveys. Key characteristics include round, flattened body shape, a row of spines along the body, and a heart-shaped head. Habitat for these creatures includes sagebrush and grassland habitats. They are frequently found in sunny spots on bare soil. They are Predators that hunt by sight. Beetles and ants are the most common food sources.
To learn more about greater short-horned lizards and view the current known distribution in Montana, visit the Montana Natural Heritage Program Field Guide at https://fieldguide.mt.gov.
By Karen Anderson: March 12, 2026 – Great Falls, Mt
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
