Herps of Wisconsin Amphibians and reptiles

Wisconsin is home to 19 species of amphibians (frogs and salamanders) and 37 reptiles (snakes, turtles and lizards). Of these, seven are listed as endangered, one is threatened and 21 are listed as special concern. Additionally, the eastern massasauga is a candidate for federal listing. For detailed information on the rare amphibian and reptile species in the state, including photos and life history information, please see Wisconsin's rare animals.

Species accounts

More information on each group and individual species is available in our Herps of Wisconsin guidebooks.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions from the very general to specifics on the groups listed below.

• General [PDF]
• Frogs [PDF]
• Salamanders [PDF]
• Lizards [PDF]
• Snakes [PDF]
• Turtles [PDF]

Herp regulations

All native herptiles 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 [PDF].

For any planned land disturbing activities, an Endangered Resources Review should be conducted prior to beginning the project to ensure that there will not be any impacts to 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 pertaining to rare species.

Activity periods

If your Endangered Resources Review has required or recommended timing restrictions or the installation of amphibian and reptile exclusion fencing [PDF] in relation to a species’ activity period, please use the table below.

Species	Spring Activity (2018)
Blanding's turtle	For areas south of Highway 29, the active season of the Blanding’s turtle has begun. For areas north of Highway 29, the Blanding’s turtle active season will begin May 1.
Blanchard’s cricket frog	The active season of the Blanchard’s cricket frog has begun.
Butler’s gartersnake	The active season of the Butler’s gartersnake has begun.
Eastern massasauga rattlesnake	The active season of the massasauga has begun.
Eastern (Northern) ribbonsnake	For areas south of Highway 29, the active season of the eastern ribbonsnake has begun. For areas north of Highway 29, the eastern ribbonsnake’s active season will begin May 1.
Ornate box turtle	The active season of the ornate box turtle has begun.
Queensnake	The active season of the queensnake has begun.
Slender glass lizard	The active season of the slender glass lizard has begun.
Western ribbonsnake	For areas south of Highway 29, the active season of the western ribbonsnake has begun. For areas north of Highway 29, the western ribbonsnake’s active season will begin May 1.
Wood turtle	For areas south of Highway 29, the active season of the wood turtle has begun. For areas north of Highway 29, the wood turtle’s active season will begin May 1.

Wisconsin frog and toad survey

The primary purpose of the citizen-based Wisconsin frog and toad survey (WFTS) is to determine the status, distribution and long-term population trends of Wisconsin's frog species. The WFTS was initiated in 1981 in response to known and suspected declines in several Wisconsin species. The WFTS began annual statewide surveys in 1984 and is now one of the longest running amphibian monitoring projects in North America.

For more information on the WFTS and to learn how you can participate please visit the Wisconsin Frog and Toad Website [exit DNR].

Wisconsin turtle conservation program

The Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program (WTCP) is a citizen-based monitoring program designed and implemented by the DNR. The main goals of the WTCP are to catalog species' statewide distributions and to document high turtle mortality locations along roads in order to promote effective management and conservation of Wisconsin’s 11 turtle species. Find out how you can help. [exit DNR]

• Turtle conservation brochure [PDF]

Protected species

All native herptiles are considered protected, but have different levels of protection. Endangered and threatened species (including parts and all life stages) may not be collected, dead or alive, or possessed without first having a valid endangered species permit. Species classified as "protected wild animals" may not be collected in Wisconsin. The species listed below have NO OPEN SEASON.

Endangered and threatened herps
Blanchard's cricket frog	Acris blanchardi
Eastern massasauga rattlesnake	Sistrurus catenatus catenatus
Ornate box turtle	Terrapene ornata
Eastern ribbonsnake	Thamnophis sauritus
Queensnake	Regina septemvittata
Western ribbonsnake	Thamnophis proximus
Slender glass lizard	Ophisaurus attenuatus
Wood turtle	Glyptemys insculpta

Protected wild animals
Blanding's turtle	Emydoidea blandingii
Gray ratsnake	Pantherophis spiloides
Gophersnake	Pituophis catenifer
Timber rattlesnake	Crotalus horridus
North American racer	Coluber constrictor