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 | Some Blanchard’s cricket frogs are currently active but some remain overwintering. For questions on projects occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Blanding's turtle | Some Blanding’s turtles are currently active but some remain overwintering. For questions on projects occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Butler’s gartersnake | Some Butler’s gartersnakes are currently active but some 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 11. |
| Eastern ribbonsnake | Some eastern ribbonsnakes are currently active but some remain overwintering. For questions on projects occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Ornate box turtle | Ornate box turtles are inactive until at least April 12. |
| Queensnake | Queensnakes are inactive until at least April 12. |
| Slender glass lizard | Slender glass lizards are inactive until at least April 12. |
| Timber rattlesnake | Timber rattlesnakes are inactive until at least April 12. |
| Western ribbonsnake | Some western ribbonsnakes are currently active but some remain overwintering. For questions on projects occurring during this time, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov). |
| Wood turtle | Wood turtles are inactive until at least April 12. |