by Ben Prater, Conservation Director and Steve Krichbaum, Wild South volunteer

The South is home to an abundance of reptiles. Turtles, snakes and lizards of all kinds can be found throughout the forests. In the Southeast the Wood Turtle is found only in Virginia. The Wood Turtle’s range is northern Virginia and West Virginia up through the Northeast and upper Midwest and into southern Canada. They are tolerant of cold climates and are active at lower environmental temperatures than most other reptiles.

Which salamander is often called a “snot otter” or “devil dog” and can grow to be nearly two and a half feet long? With a name like Hellbender, you would think that this salamander would be intimidating. However, Hellbenders are practically harmless and if you come across one, you know that you have found one of the most pristine streams in the Eastern United States.