These lizards will hibernate for long periods in winter and will be active for short periods in summer and early fall. Breeding season lasts from mid-April through early summer. The courtship rituals involve lots of neck-biting. Young are born in August and September with no nest and 3-8 young per litter. Predators are shrikes, red-tailed hawks, and cats.
Alligator lizards adapt to being active during different times in different microhabitats.
This ability allows them to minimize competition with other species.