About This Site

Utah is well-known for its scenic mountains, stunning red rock deserts, national parks, and outdoor recreational activities. However, not many people realize that Utah is home to almost 70 different species of native reptiles and amphibians. These animals are collectively known as herptiles, or “herps” for short. The scientific study of these creatures is called herpetology, while the act of searching for them in the wild is commonly referred to as field herping.

Reptiles and amphibians inhabit nearly every habitat type in Utah from the low elevations of the Mojave Desert to some of the highest points in the mountains. Each species has its own preference for a specific habitat type, with some being generalists found throughout much of the state, while others are considered to be specialists and only found in certain habitat types. 

This website is designed and intended to help beginners interested in field herping, hikers, naturalists, outdoor recreationalists, or anyone else who wants to learn about and identify Utah’s various reptile and amphibian species.

This website is privately owned and maintained. I am not affiliated with any other agencies or organizations. The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is accurate to the best of my knowledge. However, it is advisable to consult additional sources when researching these animals. It is also important to consider state and local laws and regulations when searching for or handling any of these animals. I do not take any responsibility for injuries, damages, or penalties that may result from interacting with these animals.

All images on this site are owned by me (Rye Jones) unless otherwise noted. If you would like permission to use any of my photos please contact me prior to use. Visit my Flickr albums to view more photos of the reptiles and amphibians of Utah.