Colorado Amphibians and Reptiles

Colorado has many interesting species of wildlife, but aside from the larger animals which so often become symbols of our state, Colorado also has an interesting population of reptiles and amphibians, including frogs, toads, snakes, lizards, salamanders, and turtles.

For an overview of the different species, visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s online Herpetofaunal Atlas. You can also find a number of resources in our library collection discussing the reptiles and amphibians specific to Colorado; some of the titles in our collection include Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado, University Press of Colorado, 1999; Quick Key to Amphibians and Reptiles of Colorado, Colorado Division of Wildlife, 2008; Hip on Herps: Colorado’s Reptiles and Amphibians, Colorado Division of Wildlife, 2004; Colorado’s Amphibians and Reptiles: Species Status, Regulations, Information as of January 2001, Colorado Division of Wildlife, 2001; Directions for Preservation of Amphibians and Reptiles, University of Colorado, 1985; and an interesting historical publication, Guide to the Amphibia of Colorado, University of Colorado, 1943. Using these publications you can find out many interesting facts about Colorado’s reptiles and amphibians, such as the difference between a lizard and a salamander, which turtles can bite and harm humans, or what this strange animal is!

Answer: No, it’s not a snake – look carefully and you’ll see the little legs! It’s called a Many-Lined Skink, and it is a lizard found on the rural Eastern plains.