Reptiles
Reptiles are a group of animals that include snakes, lizards, and turtles. They have special features like scales, shields, scutes, or plates, and claws on their toes. Montgomery County is home to four types of lizards, 17 types of snakes, and nine types of turtles. These reptiles play an important role in our county's ecosystem by keeping the food chain balanced and keeping pests like mice, rats, and insects in check. Reptiles have lungs to breathe, and they usually lay eggs on land. The eggs have a strong, protective shell that keeps the baby reptiles safe from drying out, even in dry areas.
Snakes are found throughout many parts of Montgomery County. In suburban areas, you may come across species like Common Brown Snakes, Eastern Rat Snakes, and Eastern Garter Snakes. Don't worry, most snakes are harmless and play a vital role in the ecosystem. They help control the population of mice and rats, which is beneficial for everyone. The Northern Copperhead is the only venomous snake in Montgomery County but they prefer to avoid human contact.
Turtles are reptiles that have a special skeletal system that forms their protective shell. In Montgomery County, you can discover nine different species of turtles. Turtles can be found in various habitats such as stream valleys, ponds, reservoirs, and wetlands. Keep an eye out for these amazing turtles as they navigate their way through their aquatic homes, adding to the diversity of our county's landscapes.
Here in Montgomery County, you can spot four different types of lizards. These include the Eastern Fence Lizard and three types of Skink. Among them, the five-lined skink is the most common. Keep your eyes peeled during your outdoor adventures to catch a glimpse of these quick moving creatures.