Is a five-lined skink poisonous?

Contrary to myth, the five-lined skink is not poisonous and only bites when threatened. In fact, the bite of this smaller skink is not painful and is unlikely to break the skin.

Easily identified by its five light stripes down a dark brown or black body, the five-lined skink is commonly seen in moist woods by hikers all across the eastern United States. These harmless skinks are active during the day, basking in the sun while seeking beetles, caterpillars, crickets, grasshoppers and other prey. At night and whenever they sense predators, they retreat to safety underneath leaves, logs and rock piles.