Reptiles
Common Urban Reptiles
Snakes
Kansas has 42 species of snakes and they are the most diverse group of reptiles in our state. Fourteen of these have a distribution nearly statewide. These are the creatures you might encounter while hiking the prairies, canyons, and forests.
DID YOU KNOW?
BENEFICIAL
Gophersnakes are considered the most economically beneficial snake in Kansas, because of the enormous numbers of rodent pests they consume in agricultural fields.
Lizards
These fast little reptiles come in many shapes and sizes, but they always have eyelids, tails, ear holes, and (usually) legs.
DID YOU KNOW?
COLORFUL
Collared Lizards change color over the seasons. Males become brighter in breeding season, and females develop orange stripes when they're carrying eggs.
Turtles
Turtles are reptiles with a specialized bony shell, their modified ribcage. They may live on land or in water, and some even have hinged bottom shells to shut out predators.
DID YOU KNOW?
THE ORNATE BOX TURTLE
Official State Reptile of Kansas
The ornate box turtle prefers prairies and pastures over forest; it is found from South Dakota to southern Arizona and the Rio Grande valley (the Mississippi river generally marks the eastern boundary of its range). It is illegal in Kansas to take turtles from the wild to keep as pets.
