Whitman Mission National Historic Site - Reptiles

Most of Whitman Mission"s amphibians and reptiles live around the Millpond, although the edges of Mill Creek and Doan Creek probably support some amphibians that we do not have knowledge about. Scientific inventory of reptiles and amphibians is needed at the park. No inventory exists for insects at Whitman Mission. The ones that seem of concern to visitors and park management are those that can harm the vegetation, the museum objects, or that can sting or bite visitors and employees. Bullfrogs live around the Millpond, the irrigation ditch, and Mill Creek, while painted turtles are found in the Millpond and along Mill Creek. In the spring and fall, on warm sunny days the snakes will come onto the paved trails to warm themselves. We have common garter snakes and gopher or bull snakes in the park. While some places within 30 miles of the park have rattlesnakes, none have ever been seen at Whitman Mission. For a couple weeks each spring and fall the air at the park is full of smokey winged ash aphids. They can be so thick that they can cover the trunks of trees. Even walking on the park trails at just the wrong times in the morning or evening will result in aphids caught in your hair, on your clothing, and stuck on your skin. This annoying stage of their life cycle lasts less than a couple weeks, then things return to normal.