Reptiles

Reptiles are not well studied in Yellowstone National Park. The bullsnake (shown here) is one of six, and the largest, reptile species found in the park.

NPS/Jane Olson

 

Yellowstone provides a valuable area for the study of reptiles. Information about the status and trends of reptiles here may shed light on declines documented in other high-elevation protected areas of the western United States. Many reptiles congregate to breed or overwinter, and they can be adversely affected by disturbance or loss of key sites.

 

Number in Yellowstone

Reptiles are less studied than amphibians in Yellowstone. There are 6 confirmed species:

• bullsnake
• prairie rattlesnake
• rubber boa
• sagebrush lizard
• common garter snake
• terrestrial garter snake

Status

• None of the park’s reptiles are federally listed as threatened or endangered.
• Researchers began inventorying reptiles and amphibians in 2000.

 

Resources

Koch, E.D. and C.R. Peterson. 1995. Amphibians & reptiles of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Salt Lake City: Univ. of Utah Press.

Parker, J. and S. Anderson. 2001. Identification guide to the herptiles of Wyoming. Cheyenne, WY: Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Patla, D.A. and C.R. Peterson. 1999. Are amphibians declining in Yellowstone National Park? Yellowstone Science. 7(1): 2–11.

Stebbins, R.C. 2003. A field guide to Western reptiles and amphibians. 3rd edition. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin Co.

 

Bullsnake

Bullsnakes are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their appearance and behavior.

Prairie Rattlesnake

Prairie rattlesnakes are the only dangerously venomous snakes in Yellowstone.

Rubber Boa

Rubber boas are usually found in rocky areas near streams or rivers with nearby shrubs or trees.

Sagebrush Lizard

The sagebrush lizard is the only lizard in Yellowstone.

Common Gartersnake

Common gartersnakes are only found in southern parts of the park.

Terrestrial Gartersnake

Terrestrial gartersnakes are the most common reptile in Yellowstone.

Wildlife

Learn about the park's abundant and diverse species—67 mammals, 330 birds, 16 fish, 5 amphibians, and 6 reptiles.