The species of reptiles found here are ones that are widely distributed in western North America, and can be found at the northern limits of reptile distribution in general. These species include the garter snake and the western fence lizard. These species feed on insects and other invertebrates as well as small mammals and amphibians. Because reptiles are ectothermic (cold-blooded), they hibernate for much of the year, only emerging when the temperature is high enough to support activity.

Look for reptiles on sunny rocks and roadbeds in the spring and summer. Lizards can be found in abundance at the Starvation mill site at the Opal Creek education center. Our reptile species feed mostly on millipedes, grubs, small amphibians, and small mammals. Lizards and snakes are food for the Osprey and other birds of prey that live in the Opal Creek watershed. Other carnivores, such as foxes and bobcats, and omnivores such as the raccoon, also eat reptiles.

Amphibians, unlike reptiles, are found in abundance in Opal Creek. These animals are both aquatic and terrestrial during different times of their lives. Amphibians are on the decline globally and the species of the Northwest are no exception. While no one factor has been identified as the sole cause, ecologists now think that a variety of factors can be blamed for the population crash. These factors include loss of habitat, ozone depletion, increased instances of fungal and parasitic infection, and increased water temperature from global climate change and deforestation. Many species that are reliant on fast-moving cold streams are especially threatened due to thermal pollution and a loss of habitat. Two such species are found in Opal Creek in relative abundance: the Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei) and the Pacific Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus).

Amphibians are important in the ecosystem of Opal Creek for a number of reasons. They are food for birds and other predators, and prey on many invertebrates during both their aquatic and terrestrial phases. River Otter (Lutra canadensis) and other aquatic predators prey on salamanders and frogs, as well as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Terrestrial amphibians can be found in and under moist logs; in water such as ephemeral ponds, puddles, and streams; and in trees or moist shrubbery.

To learn more about amphibians at Opal Creek, order your very own first-edition copy of Amphibians of Opal Creek!

Ecology Links
| Life and Death of a Western Hemlock; a lesson in cycling
| Lichens | Fungi | Mammals | Birds | Fish | Amphibians and Reptiles | Opal Creek Species Lists | Natural History |