Eastern Short-horned Lizard

Phrynosoma douglassii brevirostre

This small (114 mm), spiny lizard is squat in shape, with a flattened head and wide body. The eastern subspecies is found in the short-grass prairie ecosystem of southeastern Alberta and adjacent Saskatchewan, surrounding the Frenchman River. This lizard is difficult to find because it sits still if approached, blending in with its surroundings in the south-facing coulees where it captures ants for its food.