Animals that eat lizards include bats, blue jay, bobcats, chickens, and coyotes.
There are a variety of animals that eat lizards as part of their diets. Some of the most well-known predators of lizards include snakes, hawks, and bats. Lizards are an important food source for these predators, providing them with essential nutrients that they need to survive.
Many of these predators are ambush predators, meaning that they wait for their prey to come within striking distance before attacking. Snakes, in particular, are very efficient at hunting lizards, using their keen sense of smell to locate them before striking quickly and accurately.
Examples of Animals that Eat Lizards
1. Bats
Scientific Name | Chiroptera |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Omnivore |
Bats are another predator that feeds on lizards. They use their sharp claws to grab the lizards, and their sharp teeth to tear them apart. Bats have been known to eat lizards of all sizes, including small ones and young ones.
2. Blue Jay
Scientific Name | Cyanocitta cristata |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | North America |
Diet | Omnivore |
The blue jay is a common bird in North America that feeds on a variety of different insects, including lizards. Jays are omnivorous animals, meaning that they eat both plants and animals. They typically hunt lizards by watching from a perch until the lizard comes within range, then swooping down to catch it.
3. Bobcat
Scientific Name | Lynx rufus |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | from southern Canada, down through the USA to northern Mexico |
Diet | Carnivore |
The bobcat is a wild cat that is found throughout North America. Bobcats are predators of many different types of animals, including lizards. They typically hunt by stalking their prey until they are in range, then pouncing on it and killing it with their sharp claws.
4. Chickens
Scientific Name | Gallus gallus domesticus |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Omnivore |
Chickens are domesticated bird that is widely used for egg and meat production. Chickens are not natural predators of lizards, but they will eat them if they are available. Lizards are a good source of protein for chickens, and they can also help to control the population of insects in the chicken coop.
5. Coyotes
Scientific Name | Canis latrans |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Alaska southward into Central America, but especially on the Great Plains |
Diet | Carnivore |
Coyotes are wild dogs that are found in North America and Mexico. They are predators of a wide variety of animals, including lizards. Coyotes typically hunt by chasing their prey down until they catch it.
6. Crows
Scientific Name | Corvus |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Omnivore |
Crows are large, blackbirds that are found throughout North America. Crows are omnivorous animals, meaning that they eat both plants and animals. They typically hunt lizards by stealing them from other predators, such as hawks or snakes. Crows are very intelligent birds and are able to learn how to steal prey from other predators with ease.
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7. Dogs
Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Omnivore |
Dogs are not typically considered to be predators of lizards, but they will eat them if given the opportunity. Dogs are scavengers, meaning that they will eat anything that is available to them. This includes both fresh and rotting meat, as well as insects and other small animals.
8. Eagles
Scientific Name | Accipitridae |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Mexico border through the United States and Canada |
Diet | Carnivore |
Eagles are large birds of prey that are found all over the world. They are predators of a wide variety of animals, including lizards. Eagles typically hunt by soaring overhead until they spot their prey, then swooping down to snatch it up in their powerful talons.
9. Felines
Scientific Name | Felis catus |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Carnivore |
All species of cats, including lions, tigers, and leopards, are predators of lizards. They typically ambush their prey, attacking it quickly and efficiently. Cats are very efficient at catching lizards, and they often eat them as part of their regular diets.
10. Fish
Scientific Name | Fish |
Type of Animal | Fish |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Omnivore |
There are many different types of fish that eat lizards. Some common examples include the Nile perch and the piranha. Fish typically eat lizards by stalking them from below until they are close enough to strike, then quickly swallowing them whole.
11. Fox
Scientific Name | Vulpes vulpes |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Omnivore |
Foxes are small predators that are found in many different parts of the world. They eat a variety of different animals, including lizards. Foxes typically hunt lizards by sneaking up on them and pouncing on them. They have sharp teeth that allow them to quickly kill their prey.
12. Frogs
Scientific Name | Anura |
Type of Animal | Reptile |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Carnivore |
Frogs are a diverse group of animals that can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They are predators of a wide variety of invertebrates, including lizards. Frogs typically eat lizards by ambush, waiting until the lizard comes close before lunging out and grabbing it. Some frogs even have specialized tongues that help them to catch prey quickly.
13. Galapagos hawk
Scientific Name | Buteo galapagoensis |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | the Galapagos Islands |
Diet | Carnivore |
The Galapagos hawk is a type of bird that is found only on the Galapagos Islands. These hawks are predators of lizards, and they hunt them by flying overhead and scanning the ground for their prey. When they spot a lizard, they dive down to catch it.
14. Humans
Scientific Name | Homo sapiens |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Omnivore |
Humans are not typically considered predators of lizards, but we do eat them occasionally. Lizards are a common source of food in many parts of the world, and they are often eaten as part of regional cuisines. They are generally cooked in various ways, such as being fried, grilled, or baked.
15. Jaguar
Scientific Name | Panthera onca |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | South America |
Diet | Carnivore |
The jaguar is a large cat that is found in Central and South America. Jaguars are the only big cats in the Americas that prey on lizards. They typically hunt by stalking their prey until they are close enough to attack, then leaping on it and killing it with their sharp teeth.
16. Mongoose
Scientific Name | Herpestidae |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Africa |
Diet | Omnivore |
The mongoose is a small, carnivorous mammal that is found in Africa and Asia. Mongooses eat a variety of different animals, including lizards. They typically hunt by sneaking up on their prey and attacking it quickly. Mongooses are very agile creatures and are able to outrun most lizards.
17. Monkeys
Scientific Name | Cercopithecidae |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Omnivore |
Monkeys are a type of primate that is found in many different parts of the world. They are omnivorous animals, meaning that they eat both plants and animals. Monkeys typically eat insects, fruit, and other small prey, but some species also hunt lizards.
18. Ocelot
Scientific Name | Leopardus pardalis |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Central and South America |
Diet | Carnivore |
The ocelot is a wild cat that is found in Central and South America. Like the bobcat, the ocelot is a predator of many different types of animals, including lizards. Ocelots typically hunt by stalking their prey until they are in range, then leaping on it and killing it with their sharp claws.
19. Other Lizards
Scientific Name | Lacertilia |
Type of Animal | Reptile |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Carnivore |
Lizards are also prey for many other types of animals, including raccoons, possums, and coyotes. These animals typically scavenge for lizards that have already died or ambush them as they are trying to escape. Lizards are an important part of the food chain, and play a vital role in keeping the ecosystem balanced.
20. Owls
Scientific Name | Strigiformes |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | everywhere in the world except Antarctica |
Diet | Carnivore |
Owls are nocturnal birds of prey that feed on a variety of different animals, including lizards. They typically hunt by swooping down on their prey from above, using their sharp talons to kill it. Owls are able to catch and eat lizards even when they are asleep, making them very efficient predators.
21. Possums
Scientific Name | Didelphidae |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | North, Central, and South America |
Diet | Omnivore |
The possum is an animal that is found in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Possums are omnivorous and eat a variety of different things, including lizards. They typically catch lizards by sneaking up on them quietly and grabbing them with their sharp claws.
22. Raccoons
Scientific Name | Procyon lotor |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | North America |
Diet | Omnivore |
Raccoons are common mammals that can be found in many different parts of the world. Raccoons are omnivorous animals, meaning that they eat both plants and animals. They typically hunt lizards by raiding their nests or scavenging for them on the ground. Raccoons are very opportunistic predators and will take advantage of any opportunity to catch a meal.
23. Rats
Scientific Name | Rattus |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Omnivore |
Rats are common rodents that can be found in many different parts of the world. They are known to eat a variety of different things, including lizards. Rats typically hunt lizards by sneaking up on them before attacking. They have sharp teeth that allow them to quickly kill and devour their prey.
24. Robins
Scientific Name | Turdus migratorius |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | North America, Europe, and Asia |
Diet | Omnivore |
Robins are a type of bird that is found in North America, Europe, and Asia. They are omnivorous animals, meaning that they eat both plants and animals. Robins typically hunt lizards by spying them from a distance and then swooping down to catch them.
Related Article: 12 Birds that Look Like Robins
25. Snakes
Scientific Name | Serpentes |
Type of Animal | Reptile |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Carnivore |
There are a variety of different snake species that prey on lizards. Some of the most common include the king cobra, the green anaconda, and the gaboon viper. These snakes typically ambush their prey, quickly striking at it and killing it with their venomous fangs.
26. Sparrows
Scientific Name | Passeridae |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Asia, North Africa and most of Europe |
Diet | Omnivore |
Sparrows are small, common birds that can be found in many parts of the world. They are opportunistic predators, meaning that they will eat whatever is available to them. In the wild, this includes lizards. Sparrows typically hunt lizards by sneaking up on them and catching them when they are not aware.
27. Spiders
Scientific Name | Araneae |
Type of Animal | Insect |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Carnivore |
Spiders are not typically considered predators of lizards, but there are a few species that do prey on them. Some of the most common spiders that eat lizards include the black widow and the brown recluse. These spiders typically ambush their prey, biting them to inject them with venom.
28. Squirrels
Scientific Name | Sciuridae |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | every continent except in Australia and Antarctica |
Diet | Omnivore |
Squirrels are common rodents that can be found in many parts of the world. They are known for their bushy tails and penchant for eating nuts. However, squirrels will also eat lizards if they come across them. They typically catch lizards by chasing them down, then pinning them to the ground with their front paws.
Related Article: Do Squirrel Eat Oranges?
29. Toads
Scientific Name | Bufonidae |
Type of Animal | Reptile |
Range | on every continent, excluding Antarctica. |
Diet | Carnivore |
Toads are a type of amphibian that can be found all over the world. They are predators of a variety of different invertebrates, including lizards. Toads typically hunt by lying in wait for their prey to come within range, then leaping out and grabbing it with their powerful tongues.
Related Article: What Eats Toads?
30. Wild Dogs
Scientific Name | Lycaon pictus |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | southern Africa |
Diet | Carnivore |
Wild dogs, such as wolves and coyotes, are predators of many different types of animals, including lizards. They typically hunt by chasing their prey until they catch up to it, then attacking it and biting it to death. Lizards make up a significant portion of their diet, providing them with essential nutrients that they need to survive.
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Conclusion
There are a variety of different animals that prey on lizards, including spiders, fish, hawks, eagles, gray squirrels, dogs, crows, coyotes, wild dogs, and bats. Each of these predators has its own unique way of catching and eating lizards. Some ambush them from behind while others chase them down until they catch them.
Hi, I’m Garreth. Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal. When I was younger I always wanted to be a game ranger but unfortunately, life happens and now at least I get to write about them and tell you my experiences.