Reptiles Found in Milwaukee

Rare Milwaukee Reptiles

• The 24-inch queen snake is only found within nine counties in the southeast of Wisconsin, including Milwaukee County. It is a green-gray color and is found near rivers and streams, feeding on mainly crayfish as well as small fish and amphibians. Butler's garter snake is found in just six counties in the state's southeast region. It grows up to 20 inches and is found in a range of habitats including wetlands and open plains areas.

Common Turtles

• Five species of turtle that are common throughout the state make their homes in the wetlands and lake habitats around Milwaukee.. The predatory snapping turtle, which is also the state's largest, is found in the area and throughout Wisconsin's waterways. Two species of painted turtle, the western and midland varieties, are also found in the area. The stink pot and Blandings turtle are the other two local turtle species. All five are found in marshy areas or lake habitats throughout the state.

Common Snakes

• There are seven species of snake found commonly in Milwaukee County, including the western fox snake, which is often mistaken for the venomous copperhead. Among the larger snake species found in the area are the northern water snake and the eastern milk snake, both of which can grow to 3 feet or more in length. The northern red-belly snake is the smallest, at less than a foot in length, with the eastern garter, brown and smooth green snakes all being relatively small. None of the local snakes is venomous.

Common Lizards

• The area around Milwaukee does not have many lizards; in fact, you are only likely to find one species. The common five-lined skink ranges through much of the central area of the state and is found in the northern areas of Milwaukee County. Just a few inches in length, it is a slender lizard found in wet, marshy habitats near the edge of dense woodland. Although not common in Milwaukee County, they could still be present in the rural regions near the city.