Statewide
Minnesota Reptiles and Amphibians by Month
Every reptile and amphibian with enough records anywhere in Minnesota, counted from observations inside the state line. Seasons can differ a lot across the state, so for a closer match, pick your ecoregion on the Minnesota page.
28 species
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.
Species out in Minnesota, by group and month
| Group | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snakes | 1 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 1 | |
| Lizards | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Turtles | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | |||
| Frogs and Toads | 1 | 4 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 3 | ||
| Salamanders | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Numbers = species active that month (at peak or just starting / winding down).
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25 species at peak or shoulder in September
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shoulderAbout Minnesota
When are reptiles and amphibians most active in Minnesota?
May is the busiest month in Minnesota, with 21 species at peak activity. At least half of the area's species are active from April through October.
What reptiles and amphibians live in Minnesota?
28 species have enough iNaturalist records to show here: 11 frogs and toads, 10 snakes, 4 turtles, 2 salamanders, and 1 lizard. The most-reported are the American Toad, Painted Turtle, and Northern Leopard Frog.
Are there venomous snakes in Minnesota?
No venomous snakes have enough records in Minnesota to make this list.
Where does this data come from?
Activity calendars are built from iNaturalist research-grade observations (downloaded through GBIF, September 2026), corrected for how many people are out observing each month. Rare and protected species are left off on purpose.