Reptiles

Western fence lizard

NPS Photo/Will Elder

Snakes, lizards, and one singular turtle make up the reptiles of Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. Some of these animals prefer being on dry land, while others can easily cross over from land to water along the lakes edge. Generally, they are found out in the park during the summer months, and spend the winters hidden away. Below are common species found within the park.

 

 

Snakes

 

Western rattlesnake

NPS photo

Western Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

• Only venomous snake in the state of Washington; commonly found to the east of the Cascade Mountains

• Large triangular shaped head that is wider than its neck and rattle at the end of its tail

• Colors vary based on where it lives, ranging from brown to olive green to gray; can be 18 inches to 4 feet long

• Fangs are hollow and can inject venom to stun or kill prey

• Does not bite unless there is a threat; if a rattlesnake were to inject venom in a human, swelling and discoloration may occur, but rarely enough to kill a human

• While out hiking, wear loose clothing, step onto rocks rather than over them, and keep an eye on the ground

 

Rubber boa

NPS photo

Rubber Boa

Charina bottae

• Of the same family as the boa constrictor, python, and anaconda

• Measures between 14-30 inches

• Color variation: could be olive-green, reddish-brown, tan, or chocolate-brown

• Name comes from its rubbery appearance

• Found in wooded, grassy, or sandy areas, usually near water sources

 

Western yellow-bellied racer

Credit Andreas Kettenburg

Western Yellow-bellied Racer

Coluber constrictor mormon

• Subspecies unique to eastern Washington, but also exists in other western states

• Adult length can be 35-75 inches long

• Smooth and narrow bodies, and usually a solid dark color on top and light yellow color on their bellies

• Found in dry and sunny areas, generally with brush cover, such as an open field, woodland, or lake edge

• Can only move 4 miles per hour, contrary to their speedy name

 

Common garter snake

© William Flaxington

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

• One of the most common snake species in Washington

• Black bodies with vibrant yellow stripes; red spots can be seen just above the stripes on its side, which is the key difference between this snake and the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

• Usually found near the lake and can hunt on the surface or below the water; take refuge in the shrubs during the colder months

• Showers themselves and their attacker in a horrible smell that comes from their cloaca and musk glands as a defence strategy

 

Western terrestrial garter snake

© William Flaxington

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Thamnophis elegans

• Brown to gray bodies with yellow or cream-colored stripes

• Easily confused for the common garter snake, but lacks red spots on its sides

• Found near water edges but also in wooded areas nearby

• Uses horrible smells from glands and toxic secretions that can stun prey

• Spend the winter in rocky areas to avoid the cold months

 

Gopher or bull snake

© William Flaxington

Gopher or Bull Snake

Pituophis catenifer

• Common throughout Washington

• Non-venomous; has a narrower head than the Western Rattlesnake, but is often mistaken for a rattlesnake due to its coloration and tendency to coil and shake its tail when theatened

• Large snake, up to 6 feet long; usually tan colored with black or brown spots to help it camouflage, or blend in, with its environment

• Prefer dryer habitats such as the channeled scablands around Lake Roosevelt

 

Lizards

 

Northern alligator lizard

© William Flaxington

Northern Alligator Lizard

Elgaria coerulea

• Gray or brown scaled lizard with short legs and a long tail

• Unique in that its scales are square shaped, making it look like a miniature alligator

• Found in grassy or rocky areas and along lake edges

• Generally active during the day, but can often get around without being seen

• If it is threatened, it can shed its tail, which can help them in the moment, but might make survival more stressful

 

Western fence lizard

© William Flaxington

Western Fence Lizard

Sceloporus occidentalis

• Outer coloration is gray, brown, or black, and can lighten or darken based on the temperatures where they live

• Blue patches on their bellies, which gets darker with age; males tend to have darker patches than females

• Bodies grow to 2.2-3.4 inches, excluding tail length

• Found in forested or grassland habitats, navigating through downed trees or rocks

• Quick and can climb up trees and rocks very easily, taking shelter those objects for protection

 

Western skink

© William Flaxington

Western Skink

Plestiodon skiltonianus

• Type of lizard with shorter legs and longer bodies, appearing as a small snake with legs

• Unique in that it has a bright blue tail, which fades to a gray blue as they get older

• Bodies only grow from 2-3 inches, but their tails can be 1-2 times their body length

• Prefer habitats such as channeled scablands, open forests, and grasslands, often near bodies of water
• Very quick and can often be hidden under rocks, making them hard to spot

 

Turtles

 

Painted turtle

© Rick McMeechan

Painted turtle

Chrysemys picta

• Commonly found in Washington state

• Known for its bright red and orange markings on their lower shell, and yellow stripes over their bodies

• Size can vary from 2.5-10 inches

• Tend to live in lakes, ponds, creeks, and wetlands

• Sunbathes during the daytime and shelters under water during the night

• Young painted turtles will thrash around if predated by a largemouth bass, which causes the fish to release it and boost their survival