Month by month

What Reptiles and Amphibians Are Out in Arkansas in December

24 reptiles and amphibians are active in Arkansas in December, and 9 are at peak. Peak species include the DeKay's Brownsnake, Western Slimy Salamander, Ozark Zigzag Salamander, and Green Frog.

Counted from iNaturalist research-grade observations recorded inside Arkansas. Seasons shift across the state, so for a closer match, pick your ecoregion.

Full 12-month Arkansas calendar Pick your ecoregion

Species out across Arkansas, by group and month

Group
Snakes	2	16	26	26	26	24	19	20	20	20	15	5
Lizards	2	4	6	7	7	7	7	7	7	5	4	4
Turtles	2	4	8	10	10	11	11	11	9	6	3	2
Frogs and Toads	5	9	13	13	11	11	11	11	11	10	9	4
Salamanders	9	12	12	12	6	5	5	4	7	10	11	9

Numbers = species active that month (at peak or just starting / winding down).

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At peak in December 9

Snakes

peak

SnakesDeKay's BrownsnakeStoreria dekayi

Lizards

peak

LizardsMediterranean House GeckoHemidactylus turcicus

introduced

Frogs and Toads

peak

Frogs and ToadsGreen FrogLithobates clamitans

Salamanders

peak

SalamandersMany-ribbed SalamanderEurycea multiplicata

peak

SalamandersMarbled SalamanderAmbystoma opacum

peak

SalamandersOuachita Dusky SalamanderDesmognathus brimleyorum

peak

SalamandersOzark Zigzag SalamanderPlethodon angusticlavius

peak

SalamandersSouthern Red-backed SalamanderPlethodon serratus

peak

SalamandersWestern Slimy SalamanderPlethodon albagula

Shoulder season in December 15

Snakes

shoulder

SnakesCommon Garter SnakeThamnophis sirtalis

shoulder

SnakesNorthern CottonmouthAgkistrodon piscivorus

venomous

shoulder

SnakesRing-necked SnakeDiadophis punctatus

shoulder

SnakesWestern RatsnakePantherophis obsoletus

Lizards

shoulder

LizardsGreen AnoleAnolis carolinensis

shoulder

LizardsLittle Brown SkinkScincella lateralis

shoulder

LizardsPrairie LizardSceloporus consobrinus

Turtles

shoulder

TurtlesPond SliderTrachemys scripta

shoulder

TurtlesRiver CooterPseudemys concinna

Frogs and Toads

shoulder

Frogs and ToadsAmerican ToadAnaxyrus americanus

shoulder

Frogs and ToadsBlanchard's Cricket FrogAcris blanchardi

shoulder

Frogs and ToadsSouthern Leopard FrogLithobates sphenocephalus

Salamanders

shoulder

SalamandersOklahoma SalamanderEurycea tynerensis

shoulder

SalamandersRinged SalamanderAmbystoma annulatum

shoulder

SalamandersSpotted SalamanderAmbystoma maculatum

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.

Arkansas in December

What reptiles and amphibians are out in Arkansas in December?

24 reptiles and amphibians are active in Arkansas in December, and 9 are at peak. Peak species include the DeKay's Brownsnake, Western Slimy Salamander, Ozark Zigzag Salamander, and Green Frog.

Are venomous snakes active in Arkansas in December?

Yes. The Northern Cottonmouth can be active in December. Watch where you step and don't handle them.