10/21/2026
Happy Reptile & Amphibian Awareness Day! While most people aren’t enthusiastic about reptiles and amphibians, these animals play important roles in the environment!
Reptiles are among the most successful groups of animals on the planet, having remained relatively unchanged for millions of years. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. Reptiles help control pests and disperse seeds, and many serve as “keystone” species-animals that are vitally important to the survival of other creatures. That said, many species are declining. Turtles and tortoises are taken from the wild in alarming numbers for the pet trade, many snakes face persecution and are killed indiscriminately, and pollution and habitat loss are driving declines in many species. The River Museum works to help save and protect several species. We assist USFWS with reptile confiscations, provide medical assistance, and actively participate in several AZA SAFE programs.
Amphibians are an important part of the food web and do an amazing job of controlling pests. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from giant salamanders over 5 feet long to the tiniest toad, measuring less than a centimeter! Some amphibians are fully aquatic and never leave the water, while others are fully terrestrial and skip the larval stage entirely. Some species even give birth to live young rather than laying eggs! Amphibians are “indicator” species: they are among the first animals to be affected by environmental changes and serve as the proverbial “canary in the coal mine.” If they start to disappear, it likely means something is wrong with their environment.
Many amphibian species are declining across the globe. Habitat loss, pesticides and pollution, environmental changes, and disease are major factors. The River Museum has worked over the years to save and highlight several imperiled amphibian species, most notably the Wyoming Toad and our newest addition, the Eastern Hellbender.
