Watch the roadway for reptiles and amphibians

The public is encouraged to report when and where they see frogs, salamanders, lizards or snakes, known collectively as herptiles, crossing the road, during the late summer and early fall.

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.

By reporting sightings of these reptiles and amphibians, on and around Wisconsin’s roads, drivers can help DNR scientists better understand where their populations occur and save more of them in the future.

Many reptiles and amphibians are hit by cars on roadways, each year.

“We are trying to minimize this mortality and the public can help, by reporting where they are seeing this happen,” said Rich Staffen, DNR conservation zoologist. “By identifying high road mortality areas, we know where we can 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 https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/37 6fdb89dac942079b179ce6d17efce5.

Turtle crossings can be reported at https://survey123. arcgis.com/share/c442cb3ff48742f29df172587cec5d4a.

Over half of Wisconsin’s reptiles are endangered, threatened or of special concern. A special concern species means their population is declining and in need of conservation action.