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 (2024) |
|---|---|
| Blanchard’s cricket frog | Blanchard’s cricket frogs may still be active on warmer days but will be inactive on colder days. For work occurring during this time, please contact the ER Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov) for further guidance. |
| Blanding's turtle | Blanding’s turtles may still be active on warmer days but will be inactive on colder days. For work occurring during this time, please contact the ER Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov) for further guidance. |
| Butler’s gartersnake | Butler’s gartersnakes may still be active on warmer days but will be inactive on colder days. For work occurring during this time, please contact the ER Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov) for further guidance. |
| Eastern massasauga rattlesnake | Eastern massasaugas may still be active on warmer days but will be inactive on colder days. For work occurring during this time, please contact the ER Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov) for further guidance. |
| Eastern ribbonsnake | Eastern ribbonsnakes may still be active on warmer days but will be inactive on colder days. For work occurring during this time, please contact the ER Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov) for further guidance. |
| Ornate box turtle | Ornate box turtles are now inactive for the year. |
| Queensnake | Queensnakes may still be active on warmer days but will be inactive on colder days. For work occurring during this time, please contact the ER Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov) for further guidance. |
| Slender glass lizard | Slender glass lizards are now inactive for the year. |
| Western ribbonsnake | Western ribbonsnakes may still be active on warmer days but will be inactive on colder days. For work occurring during this time, please contact the ER Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov) for further guidance. |
| Wood turtle | Wood turtles may still be active on warmer days but will be inactive on colder days. For work occurring during this time, please contact the ER Review Program (DNRERReview@wisconsin.gov) for further guidance. |