Reptiles

NPS / Kenzie Connor

 

What is a Reptile?

Reptiles are fascinating creatures that belong to the class Reptilia. They are cold-blooded, meaning they cannot generate their own body heat and must rely on external sources like sunlight to stay warm. However, they are known to maintain a relatively stable body temperature by moving between warmer and cooler areas in their environment. This differs from mammals and birds, which are warm-blooded and can regulate their body temperature internally. Reptiles also have scaly skin that helps prevent water loss, making them well-suited for life in dry environments.

These animals come in a wide variety of forms, three of which inhabit the Smokies: turtles, lizards, and snakes. Most reptiles lay leathery eggs, although some species—such as the northern water snake—give birth to live young.

Reptiles of the Smokies

Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts a rich diversity of reptiles, including 23 species of snakes, nine species of lizards, and eight species of turtles. Some of the most commonly encountered reptiles include the northern water snake, five-lined skink, northern fence lizard, eastern box turtle, garter snake, and the black racer.

 

Remember to stay alert and watch for turtles who may cross roadways in the park.

NPS

Turtles

Turtles are uniquely constructed reptiles, easily recognized by their shells. Their bodies are encased in a hard shell made of two parts: the upper carapace and lower plastron, which are made of bone and offer protection. Unlike many animals, turtles lack teeth; instead, their jaws are covered by sharp-edged, horny plates that shear and tear food. While most turtles live in or near water, they lay their eggs on land.

While the Smokies are technically home to eight turtle species, it’s rare to see them in the park. This is because the park’s mountainous landscape lacks many ecosystems turtles prefer, such as ponds, bogs, and slow-moving rivers. Most species are more commonly found on the park’s outskirts, where such habitats exist, and species like the Cumberland slider are likely only irregular visitors. One of the most common turtle species within the park is the eastern box turtle, which is almost entirely terrestrial—though it may soak in puddles on hot days to stay cool and hydrated. These turtles are known for their high-domed shells and hinged plastrons, which allow them to completely close their shells when threatened. Each individual also has a unique shell pattern that remains constant throughout life, allowing researchers to identify them over time. They play an important role in ecosystems by dispersing seeds and helping control insect populations.

 

Though often overlooked, lizards play a vital role in the ecosystem, helping control insect populations and serving as prey for other wildlife.

NPS

Lizards

Lizards are quick and elusive, often heard rustling through dry leaves along trails before they’re seen. These reptiles thrive in the park’s warmer, drier low-elevation areas, where their scaly skin and agility help them survive.

Most lizards here have four legs and long tails, but one unique species—the eastern slender glass lizard—is legless and resembles a snake. Unlike snakes, it has moveable eyelids and external ear openings. It can also detach its tail to escape predators, a defense mechanism shared by many lizards.

Salamanders, which are amphibians, are sometimes mistaken for lizards due to their similar body shape. However, salamanders lack scales and are typically found in moist or wet environments. In fact, the park is known as the “Salamander Capital of the World,” so you’re often more likely to spot a salamander than a lizard while exploring the park.

 

The northern water snake is often mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth, a species that is not found in the Smokies.

NPS / Bill Pattison

Snakes

The first question many park visitors ask when they see a snake is, “Is it poisonous?” The answer is almost always “no.” First, it’s important to note that snakes are not poisonous—they are venomous, meaning they inject venom through a bite rather than being harmful to eat or touch. Second, of the 23 snake species found in the park, only two are venomous: the northern copperhead and the timber rattlesnake.

Both of these species are generally shy and avoid human contact, preferring to remain hidden in leaf litter. The chances of encountering a venomous snake in the Smokies, let alone being bitten by one, are extremely low. In fact, there has never been a recorded human fatality from a snakebite in the park’s history. Snakes play a vital role in the ecosystem by helping control rodent populations which pose a greater risk to human health by spreading diseases than snakes do through bites. Additionally, snakes serve as both predators and prey, contributing to ecological balance. Snakes that are shedding their skin may be more inclined to bite, as their vision is limited and they are in a more vulnerable state.

Some snake species in the park spend nearly their entire lives underground, making them extremely rare to encounter. Additionally, two other species—the Northern scarlet snake and the Northern pine snake—have not been observed in the park for decades.

 

Viewing Reptiles in the Park

Reptiles are commonly seen throughout the park, especially near water and in warm, sunny areas. While it might be tempting to get a closer look, capturing, handling, or disturbing reptiles is prohibited. Instead, watch from a distance and use binoculars to safely observe them in their natural habitat. This helps protect the animals, and you, from bites, defensive tail drops, or being pooped on.

 

Reptile Species List

Turtles

Snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) 

Eastern painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) 

Common map turtle (Graptemys geographica) 

Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) 

Stripe-necked musk turtle (Sternotherus minor peltifer) 

Eastern spiny softshell (Apalone spinifera) 

Common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) 

Cumberland slider (Trachemys scripta troostii) 

Lizards

Eastern slender glass lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus) 

Northern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus) 

Northern green anole (Anolis carolinensis) 

Coal skink (Eumeces anthracinus) 

Five-lined skink (Eumeces fasciatus) 

Southeastern five-lined skink (Eumeces inexpectatus)

Broadhead skink (Eumeces laticeps)

Ground skink (Scincella lateralis)

Six-lined racerunner (Cnemidophorus sexlineatus) 

Snakes

Eastern worm snake (Carphophis amoenus) 

Northern scarlet snake (Cemophora coccinea copei) 

Northern black racer (Coluber constrictor) 

Northern ring-neck snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) 

Corn snake (Elaphe guttata) 

Black rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta) 

Eastern hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos) 

Mole kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata) 

Eastern kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) 

Black kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula nigra) 

Scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides) 

Eastern milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) 

Northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon) 

Rough green snake (Opheodrys aestivus) 

Northern pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus) 

Queen snake (Regina septemvittata) 

Northern brown snake (Storeria dekayi) 

Midland brown snake (Storeria dekayi wrightorum) 

Northern redbelly snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) 

Southeastern crowned snake (Tantilla coronata) 

Eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) 

Eastern earth snake (Virginia valeriae) 

Northern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) – venomous 

Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) – venomous 

 

Learn More About Smokies Animals

• 

  Amphibians

  Learn about the diverse group of amphibians that call the Smokies home.

• 

  Fish

  Learn more about fish in the park.

• 

  Birds

  Learn about the incredible biodiversity of birds in the Smokies.