Reptiles

Black Rat Snake

NPS photo/Dave Bieri

 

Nearly 40 species of reptiles have been documented at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Species of special concern that occur within the park include the common map turtle, eastern river cooter, broadhead skink, eastern worm snake, and rough green snake.

Fence lizards, five-lined skinks, black rat snakes, garter snakes, ringneck snakes, copperheads, and eastern box turtles are all commonly seen throughout the park.

Hikers will occasionally encounter a copperhead or timber rattlesnake, the two venomous snakes found in the park. They are not normally aggressive if you keep away and give them a chance to escape. See the page on snake safety for further information.