Reptiles

Reptiles of Lassen; Top to bottom: Sagebrush lizard, rubber boa, and western terrestrial garter snake.

NPS / Dinosaur National Monument, NPS / Timpanogos Cave National Monument, NPS / Capitol Reef National Park

Approximately seven reptiles inhabit Lassen Volcanic National Park. Reptiles are poikilothermic ectotherms. The body temperature of reptiles derives from their surrounding environment and move about their habitat to optimize body temperature. The reptiles found in Lassen can be divided into two major groups, lizards and snakes.

There are other species suspected to occur in the park such as the California mountain kingsnake and striped whipsnake, but have not been detected recently.

Lizards

Lizards found within Lassen Volcanic National Park include sagebrush lizards as well as northern, and southern alligator lizards. Sagebrush lizards are common sights in warmer areas as they bask on rocks or skitter across the forest floor. Alligator lizards though fairly common are much more reclusive taking shelter under rocks and logs.

Snakes

Approximately 4 snakes reside in Lassen Volcanic National Park including western terrestrial garter snake, common garter snake, rubber boa and potentially the northern Pacific rattlesnake. Garter snakes are semi-aquatic and generally found near water and generally feed on tadpoles, fish, and insects. Rubber boas are considered nocturnal and spend much of their time under shelter of rocks, leaves, or burrows searching for young mammals. The northern Pacific rattlesnake has been detected in nearby regions recently and would be the only venomous reptile potentially found in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Reptiles are an important part of the ecosystem and should not be harmed. Please detour around them or allow them to move on.