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 | Spring Activity (2025) |
|---|---|
| Blanchard’s cricket frog | Blanchard’s cricket frogs are inactive until March 10. Beginning March 10, some cricket frogs may be active but some will remain overwintering. For questions on projects occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Blanding's turtle | Blanding’s turtles are inactive until at least March 13. |
| Butler’s gartersnake | Butler’s gartersnakes are inactive until March 10. Beginning March 10, some gartersnakes may be active but some will remain overwintering. For questions on projects occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Eastern massasauga rattlesnake | Eastern massasaugas are inactive until at least April 1. |
| Eastern ribbonsnake | Eastern ribbonsnakes are inactive until at least March 15. |
| Ornate box turtle | Ornate box turtles are inactive until at least March 13. |
| Queensnake | Queensnakes are inactive until at least April 1. |
| Slender glass lizard | Slender glass lizards are inactive until at least March 15. |
| Timber rattlesnake | Timber rattlesnakes are inactive until at least April 1. |
| Western ribbonsnake | Western ribbonsnakes are inactive until at least March 15. |
| Wood turtle | Wood turtles are inactive until at least March 15. |