Reptile Archives - Lewis & Clark Research Database https://lewisandclarkresearch.org/species-type/reptile/ A digital archive of treaties, documents, artwork, and 360° trail panoramas from the Corps of Discovery Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:45:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Western hog-nose snake https://lewisandclarkresearch.org/wildlife/western-hog-nose-snake/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:45:03 +0000 https://research.lewisandclarktrust.org/wildlife/western-hog-nose-snake/ When disturbed, a frequent defensive behavior of hog-nose snakes is to “play dead.” They eat mostly frogs and toads.

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]]> When disturbed, a frequent defensive behavior of hog-nose snakes is to “play dead.” They eat mostly frogs and toads.

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]]> Western fence lizard https://lewisandclarkresearch.org/wildlife/western-fence-lizard/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:45:02 +0000 https://research.lewisandclarktrust.org/wildlife/western-fence-lizard/ Lewis only mentioned a “brown lizzard” on a day of difficult travel. Likely the commonly found western fence lizard.

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]]> Lewis only mentioned a “brown lizzard” on a day of difficult travel. Likely the commonly found western fence lizard.

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]]> Wandering garter snake https://lewisandclarkresearch.org/wildlife/wandering-garter-snake/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:45:01 +0000 https://research.lewisandclarktrust.org/wildlife/wandering-garter-snake/ Lewis observed several snake species on July 24, 1805, and noted that this species retreated into water when disturbed.

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]]> Lewis observed several snake species on July 24, 1805, and noted that this species retreated into water when disturbed.

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]]> Spiny Soft-shelled turtle https://lewisandclarkresearch.org/wildlife/spiny-soft-shelled-turtle/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:45:00 +0000 https://research.lewisandclarktrust.org/wildlife/spiny-soft-shelled-turtle/ The pancake-shaped spiny softshell turtles may be declining due to human alterations of their riverine habitats.

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]]> The pancake-shaped spiny softshell turtles may be declining due to human alterations of their riverine habitats.

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]]> Northern Pacific rattlesnake https://lewisandclarkresearch.org/wildlife/northern-pacific-rattlesnake/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:44:59 +0000 https://research.lewisandclarktrust.org/wildlife/northern-pacific-rattlesnake/ Several western rattlesnakes killed by the men were assumed “same as…common to the U’ States,” not a separate species.

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]]> Several western rattlesnakes killed by the men were assumed “same as…common to the U’ States,” not a separate species.

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]]> Painted turtle https://lewisandclarkresearch.org/wildlife/painted-turtle/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:44:59 +0000 https://research.lewisandclarktrust.org/wildlife/painted-turtle/ The “water terrapins” of Lewis and Clark were probably regional subspecies of the widely distributed painted turtle.

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]]> The “water terrapins” of Lewis and Clark were probably regional subspecies of the widely distributed painted turtle.

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]]> Plains horned lizard; Texas horned lizard https://lewisandclarkresearch.org/wildlife/plains-horned-lizard-texas-horned-lizard/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:44:59 +0000 https://research.lewisandclarktrust.org/wildlife/plains-horned-lizard-texas-horned-lizard/ A “horned lizard” was among the specimens sent to Jefferson from St. Louis just before Lewis left to join Clark.

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]]> A “horned lizard” was among the specimens sent to Jefferson from St. Louis just before Lewis left to join Clark.

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]]> Red-spotted garter snake https://lewisandclarkresearch.org/wildlife/red-spotted-garter-snake/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:44:59 +0000 https://research.lewisandclarktrust.org/wildlife/red-spotted-garter-snake/ One of 12 subspecies of common garter snake. Lewis described well one found on Deer Island in the Columbia River.

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]]> One of 12 subspecies of common garter snake. Lewis described well one found on Deer Island in the Columbia River.

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]]> Pygmy horned toad; Short-horned lizard https://lewisandclarkresearch.org/wildlife/pygmy-horned-toad-short-horned-lizard/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:44:58 +0000 https://research.lewisandclarktrust.org/wildlife/pygmy-horned-toad-short-horned-lizard/ Lewis listed this common species among a number reported from Camp Chopunnish but did not find it notably remarkable.

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]]> Lewis listed this common species among a number reported from Camp Chopunnish but did not find it notably remarkable.

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]]> Bullsnake, Say’s pine snake https://lewisandclarkresearch.org/wildlife/bullsnake-says-pine-snake/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:44:58 +0000 https://research.lewisandclarktrust.org/wildlife/bullsnake-says-pine-snake/ Lewis provided a complete description of this species. He even reported the name came from its “bellowing” like a bull.

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]]> Lewis provided a complete description of this species. He even reported the name came from its “bellowing” like a bull.

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