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 will be active until at least Oct. 29. |
| Blanding's turtle | Some Blanding’s turtles are still active, however some have begun overwintering. 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. 29. |
| Eastern massasauga rattlesnake | Some eastern massasaugas are still active, however some have begun overwintering. For work occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Eastern ribbonsnake | Some eastern ribbonsnakes are still active, however some have begun overwintering. For work occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Ornate box turtle | Some ornate box turtles are still active, however some have begun overwintering. For work occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Queensnake | Some queensnakes are still active, however some have begun overwintering. For work occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Slender glass lizard | Some slender glass lizards are still active, however some have begun overwintering. For work occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Timber rattlesnake | Some timber rattlesnakes are still active, however some have begun overwintering. For work occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Western ribbonsnake | Some western ribbonsnakes are still active, however some have begun overwintering. For work occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Wood turtle | Some wood turtles are still active, however some have begun overwintering. For work occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |