Need some help identifying this small lizard

[Adam Chandler]

Hey guys, I just got back from vacation and found this little guy running around my basement.



Does anyone know if it is a native species to the mid-atlantic coast of the US? I was going to release him outside but i'm not sure if he is a possible a escaped non-native pet.

[Aztec4mia]

5-lined skink, yes it is native.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plestiodon_fasciatus

[RaskaNeil]

Exactly what I was going to say, have them here in Ohio