Herptile Regulations
All native herptiles (herps) are considered protected and have some level of protection. An overview of state regulations related to amphibians and reptiles can be found in Wisconsin's Amphibian and Reptile Regulations.
For any planned land-disturbing activities, an Endangered Resources Review should be conducted before beginning the project to ensure that there will not be any impacts on rare species and that planned activities are in compliance with Wisconsin’s Endangered Species Law (s. 29.604 Wis. Stats.), as well as other laws about rare species.
Activity periods
If your Endangered Resources Review has required or recommended timing restrictions, please use the table below to help with your follow-up actions.
| Species | Fall Activity (2026) |
|---|---|
| Blanchard’s cricket frog | Blanchard’s cricket frogs are currently active. |
| Blanding's turtle | Blanding’s turtles will be active through Oct. 2. Beginning Oct. 3 some Blanding’s turtles will be inactive for the year; for work occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Butler’s gartersnake | Butler’s gartersnakes will be active until at least Oct. 7. |
| Eastern massasauga rattlesnake | Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes will be active through Oct. 4. Beginning Oct. 5 some massasaugas will be inactive for the year; for work occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Eastern ribbonsnake | Eastern ribbonsnakes will be active through Oct. 2. Beginning Oct. 3 some eastern ribbonsnakes will be inactive for the year; for work occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Ornate box turtle | Ornate box turtles will be active until at least Oct. 7. |
| Queensnake | Queensnakes will be active until at least Oct. 7. |
| Slender glass lizard | Slender glass lizards will be active until at least Oct. 7. |
| Timber rattlesnake | Timber rattlesnakes will be active until at least Oct 7. |
| Western ribbonsnake | Western ribbonsnakes will be active through Oct. 4. Beginning Oct. 5 some western ribbonsnakes will be inactive for the year; for work occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Wood turtle | Wood turtles will be active through Oct. 2. Beginning Oct. 3 some wood turtles will be inactive for the year; for work occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |