Bass Lake Park is adopting a rescued lizard named by Holly Springs residents. Voting closed at HollyFest on Oct. 31, and the town has not yet posted the winning name.

Bass Lake Park is getting a new animal ambassador, and Holly Springs gets to name it. The park is adopting a lizard from BeWild Reptile Rescue for its environmental education programs, the town said.

Updated Nov. 5: name ideas closed Oct. 23 and the vote on finalists took place at HollyFest on Oct. 31. As of Nov. 5 the town had not posted the winning name, the species or a move-in date, and its original release is no longer on its website. We will add them when the town publishes them.

Name ideas were due Friday, Oct. 23, through the town’s online naming contest form. Park staff picked a shortlist of finalists for an in-person vote at HollyFest on Saturday, Oct. 31.

What we know about the lizard

The town kept the species secret until HollyFest, where it planned to show the first photos. For now it has given these clues:

  • it comes from the forests of southern India and Sri Lanka
  • it is active in the daytime
  • it has bright green scales and a tall spiny crest along its back
  • it can grow up to 25 inches long, tail included
  • it lives in trees, and uses its crest and small color changes to communicate

The town said the lizard will help visitors learn about biodiversity, adaptation and ecology.

The prize

Whoever submits the winning name gets a private meet-and-greet with the lizard at Bass Lake Park later this fall.

After HollyFest, the town will post on social media when the lizard moves to the park. It will live at the Bass Lake Park Visitor Center, where anyone can visit during office hours.

What it means for you

  • The contest is closed. Watch the town’s social media for the winning name and the day the lizard moves to the park.
  • Visit the park: Bass Lake Park is open 8 a.m. to sunset. Questions go to the park office at 919-567-4028 or basslake@hollyspringsnc.gov. More on the park is in our parks and trails guide.