Statewide

Montana Reptiles and Amphibians by Month

Every reptile and amphibian with enough records anywhere in Montana, counted from observations inside the state line. Seasons can differ a lot across the state, so for a closer match, pick your ecoregion on the Montana page.

16 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 Montana, by group and month

Group
Snakes		6	6	6	6	6	6	5
Lizards			2	2	2	2	1
Turtles	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Frogs and Toads		2	4	5	5	4	4	2
Salamanders		1	1	2	1	2	2	1

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

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14 species at peak or shoulder in September

peak

Frogs and ToadsColumbia Spotted FrogRana luteiventris

peak

SnakesCommon Garter SnakeThamnophis sirtalis

peak

SnakesGopher SnakePituophis catenifer

peak

LizardsGreater Short-horned LizardPhrynosoma hernandesi

peak

SalamandersLong-toed SalamanderAmbystoma macrodactylum

peak

SnakesNorth American RacerColuber constrictor

peak

Frogs and ToadsNorthern Leopard FrogLithobates pipiens

peak

SnakesNorthern Rubber BoaCharina bottae

peak

SnakesPrairie RattlesnakeCrotalus viridis

venomous

peak

Frogs and ToadsRocky Mountain Tailed FrogAscaphus montanus

peak

SnakesWestern Terrestrial Garter SnakeThamnophis elegans

peak

SalamandersWestern Tiger SalamanderAmbystoma mavortium

peak

Frogs and ToadsWoodhouse's ToadAnaxyrus woodhousii

shoulder

TurtlesPainted TurtleChrysemys picta

About Montana

When are reptiles and amphibians most active in Montana?

September is the busiest month in Montana, with 13 species at peak activity. At least half of the area's species are active from April through October.

What reptiles and amphibians live in Montana?

16 species have enough iNaturalist records to show here: 6 snakes, 5 frogs and toads, 2 lizards, 2 salamanders, and 1 turtle. The most-reported are the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Columbia Spotted Frog, and Painted Turtle.

Are there venomous snakes in Montana?

Yes. The Prairie Rattlesnake lives here. Don't handle them.

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.