When I approached this lizard, it did not move at all. Which is very strange for a lizard. Notice how its hind legs are at rest. Because I was able to move closer and closer without any movement from the lizard, I thought it must be dead. After I had taken all of the close-ups I wanted, I decided I should pick it up. I expected hard and cold, but when I just barely touched its sides, it was soft and warm! Which startled me and as I drew my hand back, the lizard raced away! Hahaha! I was certainly surprised! But yay for the photos!
I finally saw another of these lizards in late April 2019. It surprised me by running out of the shade on one side of the trail. And as I stopped, it stopped. So I was able to take a few photos. Not great lighting, but definitely a Southern Alligator Lizard. The thing that surprised me most: when the lizard finally decided to run again, it undulated like a snake!
These lizards can even tuck in their hind legs and pull themselves along with their front legs. Which makes them look even more like a snake.