Reptiles are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature is not internally regulated and so it's similar to that of the external temperature. These vertebrates usually lay eggs and have an external covering of scales or horny plates. They breathe by means of lungs.
Alabama is home to 93 native reptiles, including 12 lizards, 49 snakes 31 turtles and the American alligator. In addition, four exotic lizard species have established populations in south Alabama.
Three native species, the Eastern indigo snake, the Southern hognose snake and the mimic glass lizard, have not been observed in many years and may be extirpated from Alabama. An effort was begun in 2010 to re-establish the eastern indigo snake in Alabama.
