Ecoregion
Sierra Nevada Reptiles and Amphibians by Month
The Sierra Nevada runs from oak foothills up to granite peaks. Pacific Chorus Frogs and Western Fence Lizards are the most-reported herps. Sierra Newts breed in foothill streams, and Sierra Garter Snakes hunt along the water. May is the busiest month. The Western Rattlesnake lives here, and the Sidewinder reaches the east side.
30 species2 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 Sierra Nevada, by group and month
| Group | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snakes | 1 | 4 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 2 | ||
| Lizards | 1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | |
| Frogs and Toads | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Salamanders | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Numbers = species active that month (at peak or just starting / winding down).
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16 species at peak or shoulder in September
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shoulderAbout Sierra Nevada
When are reptiles and amphibians most active in the Sierra Nevada?
May is the busiest month in the Sierra Nevada, with 24 species at peak activity. At least half of the area's species are active from March through September.
What reptiles and amphibians live in the Sierra Nevada?
30 species have enough iNaturalist records to show here: 13 snakes, 9 lizards, 5 salamanders, and 3 frogs and toads. The most-reported are the Pacific Chorus Frog, Western Fence Lizard, and Common Sagebrush Lizard.
Are there venomous snakes in the Sierra Nevada?
Yes. The Western Rattlesnake and Sidewinder live here. Don't handle them.
Which reptiles and amphibians in the Sierra Nevada are introduced?
The American Bullfrog is 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.