Month by month

What Reptiles and Amphibians Are Out in West Virginia in October

25 reptiles and amphibians are active in West Virginia in October, and 15 are at peak. Peak species include the Eastern Newt, Eastern Red-backed Salamander, Common Garter Snake, and Central Ratsnake.

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

Full 12-month West Virginia calendar Pick your ecoregion

Species out across West Virginia, by group and month

Group
Snakes		1	4	9	10	10	10	10	9	8	2
Lizards			2	2	2	2	2	2	2	1
Turtles			3	3	3	3	2	2	3	1
Frogs and Toads		2	6	7	8	8	7	7	7	5	1
Salamanders	2	6	12	14	14	12	11	12	12	10	7	2

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

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At peak in October 15

Snakes

peak

SnakesCentral RatsnakePantherophis alleghaniensis

peak

SnakesCommon Garter SnakeThamnophis sirtalis

peak

SnakesEastern CopperheadAgkistrodon contortrix

venomous

peak

SnakesRed-bellied SnakeStoreria occipitomaculata

peak

SnakesSmooth GreensnakeOpheodrys vernalis

Lizards

peak

LizardsEastern Fence LizardSceloporus undulatus

Frogs and Toads

peak

Frogs and ToadsAmerican BullfrogLithobates catesbeianus

peak

Frogs and ToadsPickerel FrogLithobates palustris

Salamanders

peak

SalamandersEastern NewtNotophthalmus viridescens

peak

SalamandersEastern Red-backed SalamanderPlethodon cinereus

peak

SalamandersNorthern Dusky SalamanderDesmognathus fuscus

peak

SalamandersNorthern Slimy SalamanderPlethodon glutinosus

peak

SalamandersNorthern Two-lined SalamanderEurycea bislineata

peak

SalamandersSeal SalamanderDesmognathus monticola

peak

SalamandersSouthern Two-lined SalamanderEurycea cirrigera

Shoulder season in October 10

Snakes

shoulder

SnakesCommon WatersnakeNerodia sipedon

shoulder

SnakesEastern MilksnakeLampropeltis triangulum

shoulder

SnakesRing-necked SnakeDiadophis punctatus

Turtles

shoulder

TurtlesCommon Snapping TurtleChelydra serpentina

Frogs and Toads

shoulder

Frogs and ToadsAmerican ToadAnaxyrus americanus

shoulder

Frogs and ToadsGreen FrogLithobates clamitans

shoulder

Frogs and ToadsSpring PeeperPseudacris crucifer

Salamanders

shoulder

SalamandersAllegheny Mountain Dusky SalamanderDesmognathus ochrophaeus

shoulder

SalamandersLong-tailed SalamanderEurycea longicauda

shoulder

SalamandersSpring SalamanderGyrinophilus porphyriticus

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.

West Virginia in October

What reptiles and amphibians are out in West Virginia in October?

25 reptiles and amphibians are active in West Virginia in October, and 15 are at peak. Peak species include the Eastern Newt, Eastern Red-backed Salamander, Common Garter Snake, and Central Ratsnake.

Are venomous snakes active in West Virginia in October?

Yes. The Eastern Copperhead can be active in October. Watch where you step and don't handle them.