The eight (8) reptile species below have been documented as occurring within the Report Area. Taxonomy and nomenclature follow that used by iNaturalist. Images, where available, are by the author.
Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)
Likely present, if sparingly, throughout the Report Area based on author’s own observations and iNaturalist records. Only definitively known to occur at Elyria Canyon. Perhaps less likely along the LA River.
Links: iNaturalist | California Herps
Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer)
Present throughout. Observed frequently by the author with many records on iNaturalist. Based on anecdotal observations by the author, has likely become more common in the Report Area during the last decade.
Links: iNaturalist | California Herps
Southern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata)
The second most commonly observed reptile in the Report Area (after Western Fence Lizard), though typically more reclusive except when basking. More likely to be found in areas with woodland and tall chaparral than entirely open areas. Directly observed by the author at Elyria Canyon and Rio de Los Angeles.
Links: iNaturalist | California Herps
Common Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana)
The author had assumed this species absent from Mt. Washington until two were observed in a rock outcrop on a grassy slope in the southern portion of the neighborhood during a run in 2020. Others have been observed in that area since. iNaturalist records are sparse. Likely uncommon.
Links: iNaturalist | California Herps
Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)
The most common reptile throughout. Frequently observed in large numbers on warm, sunny days.
Links: iNaturalist | California Herps
Western Skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus)
Uncommon. Two iNaturalist records from Glassell Park (none for Mt. Washington). The author’s wife photographed this species on their property adjacent to Elyria Canyon Park in 2017 or 2018. The author has not directly observed it.
Links: iNaturalist | California Herps
Pond Slider (Trachemys scripta) – Introduced
This is almost certainly THE turtle you observed on the LA River. The native Southwestern Pond Turtle is proposed for listing under the Federal Endangered Species Act and has not been recorded in the Report Area.
Links: iNaturalist | California Herps
San Diegan Legless Lizard (Anniella stebbinsi)
A reclusive species that is likely underreported. Only a handful of Mt. Washington records, with some recent.
Links: iNaturalist | California Herps