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 (2023) |
|---|---|
|
*Before proceeding with any project, please contact the Endangered Resources Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov) for further guidance to ensure your project is in compliance with all state and federal laws. |
|
| Blanchard’s cricket frog | *Blanchard's cricket frogs are currently active, however all cricket frogs will be inactive beginning October 28. |
| Blanding's turtle | *Some Blanding’s turtles are currently still active and some have begun overwintering for the year. All Blanding’s turtles will be inactive beginning October 28. |
| Butler’s gartersnake | *Some Butler’s gartersnakes are currently still active and some have begun overwintering for the year. All Butler’s gartersnakes will be inactive beginning October 28. |
| Eastern massasauga rattlesnake |
*Some eastern massasauga rattlesnakes are currently still active and some have begun overwintering for the year. All eastern massasaugas will be inactive beginning October 28. |
| Eastern (northern) ribbonsnake | *Some eastern ribbonsnakes are currently still active and some have begun overwintering for the year. All eastern ribbonsnakes will be inactive beginning October 28. |
| Ornate box turtle | *Some ornate box turtles are currently still active and some have begun overwintering for the year. All ornate box turtles will be inactive beginning October 28. |
| Queensnake | *Some queensnakes are currently still active and some have begun overwintering for the year. All queensnakes will be inactive beginning October 28. |
| Slender glass lizard | *Some slender glass lizards are currently still active and some have begun overwintering for the year. All slender glass lizards will be inactive beginning October 28. |
| Western ribbonsnake | *Some western ribbonsnakes are currently still active and some have begun overwintering for the year. All western ribbonsnakes will be inactive beginning October 28. |
| Wood turtle |
*Some wood turtles are currently still active and some have begun overwintering for the year. All wood turtles will be inactive beginning October 28. |