Reptiles

Long, cold winters keep reptile diversity fairly low in Badlands, with just 9 species found in the park. These snakes, lizards, and turtles contend with extremes of weather that may include temperatures ranging from over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to -20 F or colder in the winter. Because reptiles are ectothermic, or cold-blooded, their body temperature varies with environmental conditions. Very cold or hot conditions are especially challenging for these animals.

 

NPS Photo by Larry McAfee

The open prairie and rugged badlands formations offer little in the way of shelter. Snakes and lizards are most active during the cooler parts of the day in summertime, seeking shade during the mid-day hours. In the winter, their metabolisms slow as they take shelter underground. They may go for months without eating. Similarly, painted and snapping turtles are found in association with water in summertime, and pass the winter by burying themselves in the mud at the bottom of streams or small ponds.

The prairie rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in the park. Despite perceptions of rattlesnakes as aggressive, they prefer to avoid or ignore people. Bites are extremely rare and no fatalities have ever been recorded in the state of South Dakota. Nevertheless, their bites are dangerous, and prairie rattlesnakes should never be approached. To avoid surprising a snake, carefully watch where you put your hands and feet while hiking. Wear long pants and boots rather than sandals, particularly when walking in tall grass.

 

Remember that reptiles, like all park wildlife, are protected by law.  It is illegal to harass or disturb them.  Leave them alone and enjoy them from a distance.

 

Badlands Reptile List
Common Name	Scientific Name	Park Status	Abundance	Residency
Snapping Turtle	Chelydra serpentina	Probably Present	NA	NA
Racer	Coluber constrictor	Present in Park	Common	Breeder
Western Hog-nosed Snake	Heterodon nasicus	Present in Park	Rare	Breeder
Milksnake	Lampropeltis triangulum	Probably Present	NA	NA
Gopher Snake	Pituophis catenifer	Present in Park	Common	Breeder
Plains Garter Snake	Thamnophis radix	Present in Park	Common	Breeder
Common Garter Snake	Thamnophis sirtalis	False Report	NA	NA
Painted Turtle	Chrysemys picta	Present in Park	Common	Breeder
Western Box Turtle	Terrapene ornata	Unconfirmed	NA	NA
Short-horned Lizard	Phrynosoma hernandesi	Unconfirmed	NA	NA
Fence Lizard	Sceloporus undulatus	Probably Present	NA	NA
Six-lined Racerunner	Cnemidophorus sexlineatus	Unconfirmed	NA	NA
Prairie Rattlesnake	Crotalus viridis	Present in Park	Common	Breeder