Ecoregion
Pacific Northwest Coast Reptiles and Amphibians by Month
Wet coastal forest runs from Washington into California here. Salamanders are the big group, including Ensatinas and Rough-skinned Newts. Pacific Chorus Frogs are the most-reported herp. The mild, wet winters keep amphibians moving when other places are frozen. April is the busiest month.
42 species1 venomous
Peak and shoulder ratings are rough guidance, not a schedule. Weather, elevation and the year can shift any species by weeks.
Rare and protected species are left off on purpose. Look, don't take, and never handle a venomous snake.
Species out in Pacific Northwest Coast, by group and month
| Group | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snakes | 4 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 3 |
| Lizards | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Turtles | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Frogs and Toads | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Salamanders | 15 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 16 | 15 | 15 |
Numbers = species active that month (at peak or just starting / winding down).
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34 species at peak or shoulder in September
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shoulderAbout Pacific Northwest Coast
When are reptiles and amphibians most active in the Pacific Northwest Coast?
April is the busiest month in the Pacific Northwest Coast, with 33 species at peak activity. At least half of the area's species are active all year.
What reptiles and amphibians live in the Pacific Northwest Coast?
42 species have enough iNaturalist records to show here: 17 salamanders, 11 snakes, 6 frogs and toads, 6 lizards, and 2 turtles. The most-reported are the Pacific Chorus Frog, Ensatina, and Rough-skinned Newt.
Are there venomous snakes in the Pacific Northwest Coast?
Yes. The Western Rattlesnake lives here. Don't handle them.
Which reptiles and amphibians in the Pacific Northwest Coast are introduced?
The American Bullfrog, Pond Slider, and Spiny Softshell are not native here.
Where does this data come from?
Activity calendars are built from iNaturalist research-grade observations (downloaded through GBIF, September 2026), corrected for how many people are out observing each month. Rare and protected species are left off on purpose.