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Wisconsin Native Amphibians and Reptiles
© Eric Roscoe 2025 Last Update April 13, 2025
Wisconsin is home to about 55 different species of native reptiles and amphibians (which are collectively known as herps or herptiles). Of these, there are 7 species of salamanders, 12 species of frogs and toads, 11 species of turtles, 4 species of lizards (yes, Wisconsin has native lizards), and 21 species of snakes, 2 of which are venomous (at least in the sense of being medically significant to humans). Some species are common and widespread, while others tend to be much more localized, rarer, or more difficult to find. Some are state Threatened or Endangered as well. Here, you will find detailed natural history accounts of each of the native amphibian and reptile species we have in Wisconsin, including a detailed identification and description, range and preferred habitats in the state, their diets and feeding behaviors, defense behaviors, reproduction and breeding, and other aspects of their biology and natural history specific to populations in Wisconsin, whenever possible or available.
Frogs and Toads Frogs and Toads Turtles Turtles Salamanders and Newts Salamanders and Newts Lizards Lizards Snakes Snakes