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What Reptiles and Amphibians Are Out in Montana in August

15 reptiles and amphibians are active in Montana in August, and 12 are at peak. Peak species include the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Columbia Spotted Frog, Prairie Rattlesnake, and Common Garter Snake.

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

Full 12-month Montana calendar Pick your ecoregion

Species out across Montana, by group and month

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

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

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At peak in August 12

Snakes

Common Garter Snake

peak

SnakesCommon Garter SnakeThamnophis sirtalis

North American Racer

peak

SnakesNorth American RacerColuber constrictor

Northern Rubber Boa

peak

SnakesNorthern Rubber BoaCharina bottae

Prairie Rattlesnake

peak

SnakesPrairie RattlesnakeCrotalus viridis

venomous

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

peak

SnakesWestern Terrestrial Garter SnakeThamnophis elegans

Lizards

Common Sagebrush Lizard

peak

LizardsCommon Sagebrush LizardSceloporus graciosus

Greater Short-horned Lizard

peak

LizardsGreater Short-horned LizardPhrynosoma hernandesi

Frogs and Toads

Columbia Spotted Frog

peak

Frogs and ToadsColumbia Spotted FrogRana luteiventris

Northern Leopard Frog

peak

Frogs and ToadsNorthern Leopard FrogLithobates pipiens

Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog

peak

Frogs and ToadsRocky Mountain Tailed FrogAscaphus montanus

Woodhouse's Toad

peak

Frogs and ToadsWoodhouse's ToadAnaxyrus woodhousii

Salamanders

Western Tiger Salamander

peak

SalamandersWestern Tiger SalamanderAmbystoma mavortium

Shoulder season in August 3

Snakes

Gopher Snake

shoulder

SnakesGopher SnakePituophis catenifer

Turtles

Painted Turtle

shoulder

TurtlesPainted TurtleChrysemys picta

Salamanders

Long-toed Salamander

shoulder

SalamandersLong-toed SalamanderAmbystoma macrodactylum

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.

Montana in August

What reptiles and amphibians are out in Montana in August?

15 reptiles and amphibians are active in Montana in August, and 12 are at peak. Peak species include the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Columbia Spotted Frog, Prairie Rattlesnake, and Common Garter Snake.

Are venomous snakes active in Montana in August?

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