The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is recognizing National Reptile Awareness Day by highlighting the state’s 54 native reptile species and their role in Indiana’s ecosystems.
Approximately one-third of Indiana’s native reptile species are listed as endangered or species of special concern, according to the DNR.
The state’s reptiles live in a variety of habitats, including lakes, streams, swamps, forests, grasslands and underground burrows. They range from six-foot-long ratsnakes and fast-moving six-lined racerunner lizards to ornate box turtles.
The DNR encourages residents to help protect endangered reptiles, including box turtles, by donating to the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund.
Donations can be made at endangeredwildlife.IN.gov.
