What comes to mind when you think of reptiles? Dry, scaly skin? Egg laying? If so, you’re correct…mostly. A few of Idaho’s reptiles actually have live young, while most of Idaho’s reptiles lay eggs.

What kinds of reptiles live in Idaho?

Idaho has only one native turtle, the painted turtle. There are several species of lizards and snakes that live in Idaho, so please visit the links on the right to learn more about them.

Reptiles live throughout Idaho. You can spot them scurrying between rocks in Idaho’s rangelands, or slinking up trees in Idaho’s forests. Most of Idaho’s reptiles hibernate, so try looking for them in the spring, summer and early fall.

A horned lizard, one of Idaho's reptiles