Herpetology in New York City

On most Top 10 list of fears, Ophidiophobia, or the fear of Snakes, is near the top. But reptiles and amphibians aren’t so bad once you get to know them!

New York City has no native venomous snakes left, so that should ease the mind. If you’re among the millions who find yourself shaking in fear at our slimy and scaly brethren, take some time to explore the creatures below. They’re more beautiful and fascinating than you may realize!

Reptile Species in NYC

The total numbers of documented species on iNaturalist

Garter Snake

Gartner Snakes are among the few snakes regularly spotter by New Yorkers, and Americans more broadly. With 35 recognized subspecies, they can be found from Costa Rica to Canada, Like all snakes native to the five boroughs, they are non-venomous, preying on small creatures of the undergrowth— from lizards and young frogs to slugs and worms!

Red-Eared Slider

The most common turtle (and reptile) in New York City, they’re not even from here! Red-eared Sliders are native to the south central United States and Mexico, but their popularity in the pet trade have made them the most invasive turtle world-wide. Think twice before making one a pet— they typically live 20-30 years, but can reach up to 40 years old!

Eastern Red-backed Salamander

Small terrestrial amphibians, the Eastern Red-backed Salamander is one of the easiest salamanders to find in New York. In any of our forested parks with vernal pools and a little bit of running water, expect find find the Sallys under some logs or in the midst of leaf litter . They also have a lead-backed phase, where they sport a stripe thats more golden-brown than crimson.

Eastern Milk Snake

A consummate urban survivor, the Eastern Milk Snake fits in to the fragmented ecosystems of our city quite nicely. With a variable diet including other snakes, small mammals, and invertebrates, these kings of the forest floor spend their nights hunting for prey to constrict. Even if you don’t like snakes, the Eastern Milk Snake is sure to eat another critter you find detestable.

Painted Turtle

One of the few Native Turtle species you can find in our major parks, the Painted Turtle can appear similar to the Red-Eared Slider— but its dramatic red body stripe help it stand out. Painted Turtles figured heavily in indigenous mythmaking, with some describing them as a trickster, while others say it helped in the creation of the universe!

American Bullfrog

Kings and Queens of the pond, American Bullfrogs are some of the largest frogs in North America. They’re loud, aggressive, and will eat everything they can get their prodigious mouths around— from insects, to fish, to other amphibians! Powerful survivors, they’ve become an invasive species around the country and the planet.

Dekay's Brown Snake

A denizen of the forest floor, you’re not likely to encounter a Dekay’s Brown Snake unless you’re a gardner— or a snail. They have specialized jaws that help them remove the snail from its shell, making for an easy meal. Despite a widespread fear of snakes, its important to remember they fulfill important ecological functions.

Common Snapping Turtle

The State Reptile of New York, the Common Snapping Turtle is the largest of our native species. From their powerful jaws to their dinosaur-like tail, they can be intimidating creatures. At least, once they’ve old enough. Surviving the first three years of life is a major hurdle for snappers, but once they’ve made it, they’re almost indestructible.

Northern Dusky Salamander

A Rare find amongst the seeps and streams of New York City, the Northern Dusky Salamander is more than a bioindicator— they’re a survivor. Hidden in a small stream in Uptown Manhattan, there is a population that has survived pollution, habitat loss, and neglect to keep plugging along.

Italian Wall Lizard

One of the two introduced species of Lizards in New York City, the Italian Wall Lizard has managed to fill into an ecological niche without upsetting the overall balance of their newfound ecosystem. While they primarily consume arthropods and small vertebrates, they are preyed on by snakes, birds, and mammals.

Diamondback Terrapin

A beautiful and rare turtle of the estuary, Diamondback Terrapins are immediately recognizable by their white beaks and bluish skin. This shade is more than a fashion statement— their skin is impermeable to salt, and they can survive in full salt water for nearly a week! The Jamaica Bay National Recreation area is their major NYC home.

Fowler's Toad

Named for a famous naturalist from the East Coast, the Fowler’s Toad can be found up and down the Atlantic Coast. In addition to its stellar camouflage, this little toad can also secret toxins from the glands on the back of its neck to discourage predation. Good thing, too— they’re a foundational food species for many animals in the forest.