The AM/DM podcast: You wanted to know about lizards; Ask the Memphian delivered
Chris Baker, a herpetology expert at the Memphis Zoo holds a pair of Australian knob-tailed geckos Sept. 10, 2025. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)
Memphis’ native lizards, known as skinks, generally prefer a natural, wooded habitat, away from people.
But more Memphians are finding lizards near — and at times in — their homes. They crawl out of fireplaces, skitter across porch lights and hide in cracks.
Today, editorial director Mary Cashiola and reporter Jody Callahan revisit a question about why there seem to be more lizards in the Mid-South now as opposed to many years ago.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Topics
AM/DMMary Cashiola
Mary Cashiola has been a Memphis journalist for nearly two decades, beginning her career covering city government and local neighborhoods at the Memphis Flyer before being hired by Memphis Mayor A C Wharton’s administration.
Before joining The Daily Memphian, she was the managing editor of the Memphis Business Journal, which was named one of the top 10 Best Designed Newspapers in the world by the Society of News Design while she was there.
She also has a background in advertising, with a focus on higher education and the hospitality industry.
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.