Wisconsin DNR Makes Important Request To Help Save Endangered Species

One of the great things about Wisconsin is that it is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Wildlife found within the state includes mammals such as white-tailed deer, black bears, gray wolves, American badgers, and various squirrels and bats.

The state's aquatic environments are home to fish like trout and bass, and reptiles such as painted turtles. Birds like bald eagles and wood ducks, as well as insects like monarch butterflies and Karner blue butterflies, are also common.

Another group of wildlife found in Wisconsin is herptiles, which includes both reptiles and amphibians.

Sadly, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources notes that over half of the state's reptiles are endangered, threatened, or of special concern. A special concern species means its population is declining and in need of conservation action.

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With now being the time herptiles begin a migration process, the DNR has reached out with an important request for people throughout Wisconsin.

Now Is The Time To Be Extra Observant While Driving In Wisconsin

The Wisconsin DNR urges people to watch for reptiles and amphibians on Wisconsin's roads, and to report when and where they see frogs, salamanders, lizards, or snakes crossing the road during now through early fall.

The DNR says that as temperatures cool, herptiles begin to migrate across roads from summer breeding and foraging locations to overwintering areas. Snakes and lizards in particular may use a stretch of road or a trail as an opportunity to warm up on the heated pavement or open area, putting themselves in danger of being hit by vehicles in the process.

"Many reptiles and amphibians are hit by cars on roadways each year," said Rich Staffen, DNR conservation zoologist. "We are trying to minimize this mortality, and the public can help by reporting where they are seeing this happen."

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Reporting sightings of these reptiles and amphibians on and around Wisconsin’s roads can help DNR scientists better understand where their populations occur, allowing the DNR to incorporate mitigation efforts to reduce the threat to crossing animals in those locations.

Drivers and trail users can submit a report of their sightings of live crossings or road mortalities, preferably with a photo, via the DNR’s Reptile and Amphibian Mortality Reporting Form.

Turtle crossings can be reported using the DNR’s Turtle Reporting Form.