Harpers Ferry National Historical Park - Reptiles

Don"t be surprised to find an eastern box turtle ( Terrapene carolina ) or a black rat snake ( Elaphe obsoleta ) crossing your path when exploring the park. These reptiles are often seen both in the mountains and within the lower historical district. Painted turtles ( Chrysemys picta ), snapping turtles ( Chelydra serpentina ), and stinkpot turtles ( Sternotherus odoratus ) also live in the park. Other snakes found here include the eastern garter snake ( Thamnophis sirtalis ), northern water snake ( Nerodia sipedon ), northern copperhead ( Agkistrodon contortrix ), and timber rattlesnake ( Crotalus horridus ). Lizards frequently spotted within the park"s forests include the five-lined skink ( Eumeces fasciatus ) and the northern fence lizard ( Sceloporus undulatus ).

Previous inventories identified 5 turtle, 10 snake, and 3 lizard species in the park. An ongoing reptile survey will be completed in 2003, providing an even more accurate and detailed inventory of the park"s reptiles.