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What Reptiles and Amphibians Are Out in Montana in September

14 reptiles and amphibians are active in Montana in September, and 13 are at peak. Peak species include the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Columbia Spotted Frog, Gopher Snake, and Prairie Rattlesnake.

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 September 13

Snakes

Common Garter Snake

peak

SnakesCommon Garter SnakeThamnophis sirtalis

Gopher Snake

peak

SnakesGopher SnakePituophis catenifer

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

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

Long-toed Salamander

peak

SalamandersLong-toed SalamanderAmbystoma macrodactylum

Western Tiger Salamander

peak

SalamandersWestern Tiger SalamanderAmbystoma mavortium

Shoulder season in September 1

Turtles

Painted Turtle

shoulder

TurtlesPainted TurtleChrysemys picta

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 September

What reptiles and amphibians are out in Montana in September?

14 reptiles and amphibians are active in Montana in September, and 13 are at peak. Peak species include the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Columbia Spotted Frog, Gopher Snake, and Prairie Rattlesnake.

Are venomous snakes active in Montana in September?

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