For the past 11 years, Dr. Joe Collins, a Washburn University biology professor has organized the “Running of the Lizards.” The event serves as a census of the Italian Wall lizard population in Topeka.

Central Topeka is home to a sizeable population of Italian Wall lizards. Released in the early 1960’s from a biological supply business, the lizards have grown throughout town, with a known habitat stretching from 21st and Gage to Gage Park.

Collins hosted a group of over twenty lizard hunters near the intersection of 21st Street and Gage Boulevard, near the location of the original store, Quivera Specialties. Participants of all ages chased lizards throughout the area.

The story of the Italian Wall lizards

How to catch a lizard

Morgann McMurry

Photos from the Running

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