Reptiles

 

Reptiles mainly live in the tropics and subtropics although they inhabit every continent except Antarctica. Reptiles are referred to as “cold-blooded” because they do not generate enough heat within their bodies to maintain a constant body temperature (one exception is the Leatherback Sea Turtle). They rely on gathering and losing heat from the environment to regulate their internal temperature.

 

Gulf Islands Reptiles

  • An alligator is partially submerged in water filled with grass and reeds.
    Alligators

    An apex predator critical to the bayous and salt marshes of the park.

  • A close up of a diamondback terrapin on sand.
    Diamondback Terrapins

    The only turtle species to call coastal estuaries, like those surrounding Gulf Islands, their home.

  • An adult sea turtle craws toward the water on a white sand beach.
    Sea Turtles

    Five species of sea turtles live in the waters and nest on the beaches of the park.

  • A cottonmouth snake moves along a dead log with its tongue out.
    Snakes

    Snakes are important residents of the gulf islands, several species including venomous snakes can be found throughout the park.

 

Additional Reptiles at Gulf Islands

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    Last updated: April 22, 2020

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