Reptiles & Amphibians

Reptiles are a group of animals that contain snakes, lizards, and turtles. Five species of reptiles were found during the 2002-2003 vertebrate census of Whitman Mission.

Reptiles
Western Painted Turtle
Slider (an introduced turtle)
Racer (a snake)
Gopher Snake
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake.

In warmer weather, Western Painted Turtles and Sliders can often be seen sunning themselves on boards floating in the Millpond. (Learn how to tell them apart.) Bullfrogs are known to occur around the Millpond, Mill Creek, and along the irrigation channel. Common Garter Snakes and Gopher Snakes (aka Bull Snakes) have been seen throughout the site.

Amphibians are the group of animals that include salamanders, frogs, toads, and newts. Amphibians live part of their live in water, but then as adult they become land dwelling, but are often found near water. At Whitman Mission, frogs and toads are the most common amphibians along the park's waterways, but salamanders, newts, and other amphibians also have been seen within the park.

2002-2003 Vertebrate Inventory: Whitman Mission National Historic Site. University of Idaho and National Park Service Columbia Cascades Support Office.

Whitman Mission National Historic Site: General Management Plan, September 2000. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service.