More Information About Reptiles

Viper Snakes

Family Viperidae

The prairie rattlesnake is the only representative of the Family Viperidae in Alberta. As a member of the Subfamily Crotalinae (or Pit Vipers), the prairie rattlesnake has specialized heat-sensing organs located within a pit on each side of its head between its eye and nostril. Other characteristics include a broad triangular head and slender neck, vertical pupils and rattle or button on the end of its tail; traits not found in other Alberta snakes.

Prairie Rattlesnake lying on grass

photo: ACA, Kris Kendell

Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis

Water or Pond and Box Turtles

Family Emydidae

The western painted turtle is the only native representative of the Family Emydidae in Alberta. Any sighting should be studied carefully to ensure it is not a red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta), a non-native turtle. Red-eared sliders look similar to painted turtles in form and size but have a prominent broad reddish stripe behind each eye.

Western Painted Turtle restingon a log

photo: ACA, Kris Kendell

Western Painted Turtle
Chrysemys picta
 

Spiny Lizards

Family Phrynosomatidae

The mountain (greater) short-horned lizard is the only representative of the Family Phrynosomatidae in Alberta. They are flat, oval-shaped lizards covered in sharp projecting scales, especially on the head and along each side of the body.

Mountain Short Horned Lizard

photo: ACA, Kris Kendell

Mountain (Greater) Short-horned Lizard
Phrynosoma hernandesi

Colubrid Snakes

Family Colubridae

Colubrid snakes in our area are difficult to characterize as they vary in form and size—generally they are moderately slender or heavy-bodied with a head that is only slightly wider than the neck.

Western Hog-nosed snake

photo: Gerald Romanchuk

Plains Hog-nosed Snake
Heterodon nasicus
Bullsnake

photo: Gerald Romanchuk

Bullsnake
Pituophis catenifer
yellow-bellied racer

photo: Kyle J. Welsh

Yellow-bellied Racer
Coluber constrictor
wandering gartersnake

photo: ACA, Kris Kendell

Wandering Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans
plains gartersnake

photo: ACA, Kris Kendell

Plains Garter Snake
Thamnophis radix
red-sided garter snake

photo: ACA, Kris Kendell

Red-sided Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis