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Herptile Regulations

Blanding's Turtle

All native herptiles (herps) are considered protected and have some level of protection. An overview of state regulations related to amphibians and reptiles can be found in Wisconsin's Amphibian and Reptile Regulations.

For any planned land-disturbing activities, an Endangered Resources Review should be conducted before beginning the project to ensure that there will not be any impacts on rare species and that planned activities are in compliance with Wisconsin’s Endangered Species Law (s. 29.604 Wis. Stats.), as well as other laws about rare species.

Activity periods

If your Endangered Resources Review has required or recommended timing restrictions, please use the table below to help with your follow-up actions.

Species Spring Activity (2024)
Blanchard’s cricket frog Some Blanchard’s cricket frogs may be active at this time, however, they are not fully active for the year. For questions on projects occurring at this time, please contact DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov
Blanding's turtle Some Blanding’s turtles are active at this time, however, they are not fully active for the year. For questions on projects occurring at this time, please contact DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov.
Butler’s gartersnake Some Butler’s gartersnakes may be active at this time, however, they are not fully active for the year. For questions on projects occurring at this time, please contact DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov.
Eastern massasauga rattlesnake Eastern massasaugas are inactive until at least April 10.
Eastern ribbonsnake Some eastern ribbonsnakes are active at this time, however, they are not fully active for the year. For questions on projects occurring at this time, please contact DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov.
Ornate box turtle Some ornate box turtles could be active at this time, however, they are not fully active for the year. For questions on projects occurring at this time, please contact DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov.
Queensnake Queensnakes are inactive until at least April 1.
Slender glass lizard Slender glass lizards are inactive until at least April 1.
Western ribbonsnake Some western ribbonsnakes may be active at this time, however, they are not fully active for the year. For questions on projects occurring at this time, please contact DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov.
Wood turtle Some wood turtles may be active at this time, however, they are not fully active for the year. For questions on projects occurring at this time, please contact DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov.