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What Reptiles and Amphibians Are Out in Idaho in May

24 reptiles and amphibians are active in Idaho in May, and 20 are at peak. Peak species include the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Gopher Snake, Western Fence Lizard, and Common Side-blotched Lizard.

Counted from iNaturalist research-grade observations recorded inside Idaho. Seasons shift across the state, so for a closer match, pick your ecoregion.

Full 12-month Idaho calendar Pick your ecoregion

Species out across Idaho, by group and month

Group
Snakes			2	7	7	7	6	6	7	5	2
Lizards		1	3	7	7	7	7	7	7	3	1
Turtles		2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
Frogs and Toads		1	3	4	6	6	6	5	5	3	1
Salamanders			1	1	2	2	2	2	2	1

Numbers = species active that month (at peak or just starting / winding down).

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At peak in May 20

Snakes

Gopher Snake

peak

SnakesGopher SnakePituophis catenifer

North American Racer

peak

SnakesNorth American RacerColuber constrictor

Northern Rubber Boa

peak

SnakesNorthern Rubber BoaCharina bottae

Striped Whipsnake

peak

SnakesStriped WhipsnakeMasticophis taeniatus

Western Rattlesnake

peak

SnakesWestern RattlesnakeCrotalus oreganus

venomous

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

peak

SnakesWestern Terrestrial Garter SnakeThamnophis elegans

Lizards

Common Sagebrush Lizard

peak

LizardsCommon Sagebrush LizardSceloporus graciosus

Common Side-blotched Lizard

peak

LizardsCommon Side-blotched LizardUta stansburiana

Desert Horned Lizard

peak

LizardsDesert Horned LizardPhrynosoma platyrhinos

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard

peak

LizardsLong-nosed Leopard LizardGambelia wislizenii

Western Fence Lizard

peak

LizardsWestern Fence LizardSceloporus occidentalis

Western Skink

peak

LizardsWestern SkinkPlestiodon skiltonianus

Western Whiptail

peak

LizardsWestern WhiptailAspidoscelis tigris

Turtles

Painted Turtle

peak

TurtlesPainted TurtleChrysemys picta

Pond Slider

peak

TurtlesPond SliderTrachemys scripta

Frogs and Toads

American Bullfrog

peak

Frogs and ToadsAmerican BullfrogLithobates catesbeianus

introduced

Boreal Chorus Frog

peak

Frogs and ToadsBoreal Chorus FrogPseudacris maculata

Great Basin Spadefoot

peak

Frogs and ToadsGreat Basin SpadefootSpea intermontana

Pacific Chorus Frog

peak

Frogs and ToadsPacific Chorus FrogPseudacris regilla

Salamanders

Long-toed Salamander

peak

SalamandersLong-toed SalamanderAmbystoma macrodactylum

Shoulder season in May 4

Snakes

Common Garter Snake

shoulder

SnakesCommon Garter SnakeThamnophis sirtalis

Frogs and Toads

Columbia Spotted Frog

shoulder

Frogs and ToadsColumbia Spotted FrogRana luteiventris

Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog

shoulder

Frogs and ToadsRocky Mountain Tailed FrogAscaphus montanus

Salamanders

Western Tiger Salamander

shoulder

SalamandersWestern Tiger SalamanderAmbystoma mavortium

Peak and shoulder ratings are rough guidance, not a schedule. Weather, elevation and the year can shift any species by weeks.

Rare and protected species are left off on purpose. Look, don't take, and never handle a venomous snake.

Idaho in May

What reptiles and amphibians are out in Idaho in May?

24 reptiles and amphibians are active in Idaho in May, and 20 are at peak. Peak species include the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Gopher Snake, Western Fence Lizard, and Common Side-blotched Lizard.

Are venomous snakes active in Idaho in May?

Yes. The Western Rattlesnake can be active in May. Watch where you step and don't handle them.