![]() NPS/Gigi Charters. When conditions are suitable, visitors to Richmond National Battlefield Park may see reptilian species such as Eastern Box or Painted Turtles. Eastern Rat Snakes can be found sunning themselves by the side of park roads. The Five-lined Skink, with its florescent blue tail, can be easily seen darting along the forest floor, while the Eastern Fence Lizard's camouflage allows it to remain unnoticed against tree bark. Only one species of venomous snake, the Northern Copperhead, can be found in the park. Northern Copperheads, like most snake species, are shy animals that will actively avoid human contact. These snakes provide an important control on the population growth of small rodents that could otherwise become pests.
![]() NPS/Gigi Charters Just as Northern Copperheads are an integral part of the ecosystem, all reptile and amphibian species at Richmond National Battlefield Park help maintain the complex balance of the natural environment. While driving in the park, be alert to the presence of snakes, turtles, and other animals along the road, as the park strives to provide them with a safe home. Richmond National Battlefield Park employs careful monitoring and conservation of natural resources to ensure that the park remains an ideal environment for native amphibian and reptile species.
|
![]() |
![]() |
Last updated: January 22, 2022