Greater short-horned lizards, commonly called "horny toads," are a native species found in sagebrush and grasslands of central and eastern Montana. The lizards' cryptic camouflage makes them challenging to formally survey, though incidental observations reported by the public have proven valuable. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking the public's help to look for greater short-horned lizards this spring and is hosting events in Billings for the public to learn about and look for the lizards.
FWP is hosting a free, all-ages education event on Tuesday, June 23, at the Billings office (2300 Lake Elmo Dr.) from 5:30 to 7 p.m. FWP staff will provide information on the biology of greater short-horned lizards and where to look for them in the area. There will also be crafts and activities for kids.
On Wednesday, June 24, FWP is hosting a field trip to search for greater short-horned lizards. Participants should meet at the FWP office at 11 a.m. to caravan to the site, which is approximately 6 miles from the office, wear closed-toe footwear and bring a walking stick or hiking pole and water.
Members of the public can also submit their own observations of greater short-horned lizards during the Horned Lizard Conservation Society's 2026 bioblitz, which will run from June 20 to June 28. Observations should be submitted through the free phone app iNaturalist.
For more information on any of the events, contact FWP nongame biologist Megan O'Reilly at moreilly@mt.gov or 406-247-2966 or nongame technician Daniel Johnson at daniel.johnson@mt.gov or 406-876-5025.