Reporting an observation 

Greater short-horned lizard observations can be reported online:

Report Observation

If unable to report online, please email your local FWP office to submit your observation. 

• Bozeman: fwprg3@mt.gov 

• Great Falls: fwprg42@mt.gov 

• Billings: fwprg52@mt.gov 

• Glasgow: fwprg62@mt.gov 

• Miles City: fwprg72@mt.gov 

When reporting an observation, please include:  

• Date 

• GPS coordinates, if available, or detailed location description 

• Photos, if available 

• Email for follow up if needed 

Remember! While reporting, take only photos of the horned lizards. Do not handle, move or cause harm to the lizards. Horned lizards are intricately tied to their ecosystems and do not survive captivity well. Please leave them where you find them. 

There is anecdotal evidence of significant declines for this species. This species faces threats from continued habitat loss through land use changes, collection as pets and the invasion of non-native plant species. 

Greater short-horned lizards are challenging to find during structured FWP surveys. Observations from the public are valuable in determining distribution.  

Greater short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi)

Identification:   

• Often called “horny toad” or “horned toad​” 

• Round, flattened body shape​ 

• Row of spines along body​ 

• Heart-shaped head 

Habitat:  

• Most common in central and eastern Montana  

• Sagebrush and grassland habitats 

• Frequently found in sunny spots on bare soil 

Food Habits:  

• Predators that hunt by sight 

• Beetles and ants are most common food sources 

Ecology:  

• Diurnal: most active during daylight hours 

• Females are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young  

• Hibernate during late fall and winter and emerge from late March to early June  

To learn more about Greater short-horned lizards and to view the current known distribution in Montana, visit Montana Natural Heritage Program Field Guide