No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Size
5 to 8.5 inches
How to recognize it
Smooth, shiny scales
Enlarged middle row of scales under the tail (separates it from the southeastern five-lined skink)
Tail breaks off easily and twitches to distract predators; it grows back shorter
Where in Massachusetts
No extant populations known in Massachusetts, although the species is native to Vermont, New York, and Connecticut … MassWildlife
What the sources say
Range: No extant populations known in Massachusetts, although the species is native to Vermont, New York, and Connecticut. Recorded from Worcester county before 1840 and Bristol County in 1869. Both historic records are atypical locations for this species.
Wildlife problems: contact MassWildlife, (508) 389-6300 or [email protected] (M–F 8–4). Rattlesnake sightings: [email protected] (photos from a distance); suspected illegal activity: Massachusetts Environmental Police 1-800-632-8075. Rare species sightings: MassWildlife Heritage Hub or Rare Animal Observation Form. Spotted lanternfly in a new town: photo + reporting form at mass.gov/slf. Non-emergency shark sightings on the Outer Cape: Sharktivity app or ranger stations (508) 255-2112 / (508) 487-2100. MassWildlife
What official sources say
Are there lizards in Massachusetts?
Not established. MassWildlife lists only the Common Five-lined Skink, with no extant populations known in Massachusetts. MassWildlife
“No extant populations known in Massachusetts, although the species is native to Vermont, New York, and Connecticut.”
About this list
The species list comes from Amphibians and Reptiles in Massachusetts (Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), Update September 2020 (printable list); Internet Archive capture 2026-01-17).
Venom labels come only from official sources and link to them; "Not stated" never means harmless. How labels work.
“You can report sightings of rattlesnakes to MassWildlife at [email protected], or report any suspected illegal activity directly to the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075.”
Amphibians and Reptiles in Massachusetts. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife). archived copy, captured January 17, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
“No extant populations known in Massachusetts, although the species is native to Vermont, New York, and Connecticut.”