Turtles, frogs, and snakes-together they’re called “herps.” They rely on the environment around them-the sun, water, or ground-to generate the heat that every creature needs to survive. Despite the cold, Minnesota’s relatively clean water and unpolluted air support a surprisingly high number of herps.

What They Eat

Herps eat a variety of foods-plants, animals, fruit, insects, or a combination of foods. Because they are “cold-blooded” (maintain a low body temperature), they are well adapted to survive in environments where food is sometimes scarce.

Where They Live

Most of Minnesota’s amphibians and turtles live in or near water, while the majority of our snakes live on land. Amphibians are less tolerant of dry conditions, and are generally less abundant in western Minnesota. Reptiles don’t adapt well to cold, so fewer species are found in northern Minnesota.

What They Do

To be active and digest their food, reptiles and amphibians must remain warm. That’s why you’ll often see them basking on rocks in the sun during cool parts of the day, and retreating to the shade when temperatures get too warm.

How They’re Doing

Here in Minnesota, our large population of herps has declined in recent years. Today, about half of our species of reptiles and amphibians are classified as “wild and rare.”

Where in the World

North America

Habitat

River, Lake, Wetland Temperate Forest/Taiga Prairie/Steppe

Conservation Status

Wood Turtle

conservationStatus_EN

Blanding’s Turtle 

conservationStatus_EN

Habitat

River, Lake, Wetland Temperate Forest/Taiga Prairie/Steppe

Taxonomic Category

Amphibian/Reptile

Where at the Zoo

Medtronic Minnesota Trail