List of U.S. state reptiles

1773: 1895: 286: 174: 1024: 2169: 1280: 685: 503: 539: 1137: 983: 215: 611: 1546: 942: 1096: 398: 1614: 327: 1175: 1323: 649: 467: 431: 1060: 1836: 1418: 796: 755: 575: 365: 832: 253: 906: 1208: 1359: 1244: 721: 1605:; within those chapters, they take about a half page to describe the campaign to establish each state's specific symbol. Reptiles, on the other hand, are shown only in list format in a chapter titled "Miscellaneous", where the other non-bird animals (and many non-animals) are listed. Shearer and Shearer consider the state reptiles to be part of a "last thirty years" phenomenon (written in 2003) that includes such particular items as a state's "official beverage". 1766: 8629: 868: 30: 8649: 5534: 8639: 6936: 2187:, going from Extinct to Least Concern. None of the U.S. state reptiles are in the most extreme categories of Extinct, Extinct in the Wild, or Critically Endangered. Two species are IUCN Endangered: the Alabama red-bellied turtle (Alabama) and the loggerhead sea turtle (South Carolina, also the state saltwater reptile of Florida). However, in the United States, only the Alabama red-bellied turtle is 1786: 1397: 2195:

three-toed subspecies, North Carolina and Tennessee with the eastern subspecies). All the remaining state reptile species are Least Concern. All the non-turtle reptiles fall into this category, but the only two turtles in relative safety are the common snapping turtle (New York) and the painted turtle (Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Vermont).

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Two species are IUCN Vulnerable: the desert tortoise (California and Nevada) and the gopher tortoise (Georgia, also the official tortoise of Florida). Three species are Near Threatened: the diamondback terrapin (Maryland), the ornate box turtle (Kansas), and the common box turtle (Missouri with the

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The species most frequently adopted as a state reptile is the painted turtle, with four states designating it: Colorado (the western subspecies), Illinois, Michigan, and Vermont. Three southern states—Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi—represent themselves with the American alligator. A species of

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Maryland notes its historical associations with the diamondback terrapin: "Chesapeake colonists ate terrapin prepared Native-American fashion, roasted whole in live coals. Abundant and easy to catch, terrapin were so ample that landowners often fed their slaves and indentured servants a staple diet

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The ratings also do not reflect state-specific population conditions. For instance, for the Texas horned lizard, much of eastern Texas has lost the animal. Nevertheless, based on healthy populations in other parts of the West, especially New Mexico, the IUCN rates the animal Least Concern. For the

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for the state reptiles all reflect species-level assessments; for most state reptiles, the IUCN does not discuss the subspecies situations. With the Arizona ridge-backed rattlesnake, the IUCN notes the subspecies has similar safety to the overall species, but does not formally rate the subspecies.

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Actually, the warning on the early flags was not meant to depict the timber rattlesnake as being ferocious or the American people as being warlike. The true message was that the citizens of the Colonies were a peaceable and freedom-loving people, but if England's King George III continued with his

2146:. Increased disease in wild populations often follows weakening from other environmental stressors, such as habitat loss. Upper lung infection and shell diseases have been implicated in the decline of the desert tortoise (California, Nevada) and gopher tortoise (Georgia, Florida's state tortoise). 1815:, the cartoon showed a snapping turtle, jaws locked fiercely to the rear of an American trader, who was attempting to carry a barrel of goods onto a British ship. The trader was seen whimsically uttering the words "Oh! this cursed Ograbme" (the backwards spelling of "embargo"). Also, during the 1507:

North Carolina selected the eastern box turtle because its behavior reflects admirable human ideals: "The turtle watches undisturbed as countless generations of faster 'hares' run by to quick oblivion, and is thus a model of patience for mankind, and a symbol of our State's unrelenting pursuit of

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In 1969, Oklahoma designated the first state reptile when it chose the common collared lizard or "mountain boomer". Two states followed suit in the 1970s, seven states in the 1980s, eight states in the 1990s, and eight states in the 2000s. As of March 2019, twenty-eight of the fifty states have

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Schoolchildren often start the campaigns for state reptiles. Three of the four states choosing the painted turtle credit school classes with initiating the process. The process may require students to be knowledgeable of their selection, as was the case in Florida when students advocated for the

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Benjamin Franklin, writing as an anonymous person, submitted the following statement concerning the disposition of the timber rattlesnake to the Pennsylvania Journal in 1775: "She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true

2218:, the species found throughout much of North America and residing in Massachusetts. Within that genus, there are twenty-three species at Least Concern and two each at Vulnerable, Endangered and Data Deficient. For Wyoming's horned lizard state reptile, the rating reflects that of the pictured 2154:

represents a future threat by changing habitat. Reptiles are more unsafe than birds because they have less ability to move large distances. Gibbons and colleagues do not describe any examples of impact on specific state reptile species, although they mention a general concern for turtles and

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The state reptile concept serves education. Some states offer lesson plans using the reptile for teachers to introduce children to the legislative process, discuss state geography, or develop state patriotism. Many Secretaries of State have a "kids page" describing the reptile. Some, such as

2069:(perhaps because of their soft skin), reptile species are actually more endangered. Although populations can decline from natural causes, and it is difficult to prove the exact reason for a specific reptile's decline, human actions are behind most of the species' problems. Gibbons 1795:

oppressive policies toward the Colonies, then they would respond with great wrath. This response would be much like that of a timber rattlesnake, which is peaceable and slow to anger, but will attack aggressively when provoked and will not stop fighting until the enemy retreats.

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The nineteen southern or southwestern states with state reptiles were Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and West

2094:" because females take nine years to mature and only produce four young per year. However, not all reptile usage is unsustainable. Since the late 20th century recovery of the American alligator (Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi), its numbers have been successfully managed by 2137:

Water pollution is primarily seen in turtles and crocodilians and can affect their eggs and sex characteristics. Male American alligators (Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi) have been found with lowered testosterone and altered gonads in a chemically contaminated

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Like other state symbols, a state reptile is intended to show state pride. The designation has no economic or wildlife protection effect. States justify their choice of state reptiles, with differing rationales, in designating legislation and on websites:

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without a vote. Virginia proponents of the eastern box turtle have seen 1999 and 2009 bids fail. For the most recent attempt, a legislative opponent of the turtle said it was too cowardly for the state because of its defensive shell, and suggested the

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The line does not perfectly separate north and south states because some states extend across it. For example, Missouri, generally considered southern, has territory above the line, and Illinois, generally considered northern, has territory below

49:, states compare admirable aspects of the reptile and of the state, within designating statutes. Schoolchildren often start campaigns promoting their favorite reptile to encourage state legislators to enact it as a state symbol. Many 1557:

In contrast to state reptiles, state birds have been more rapidly adopted, with the first state designating one in 1927 and the fiftieth in 1973. As of January 2011, other types of animals more popular for state symbolization were

8451: 1855:'s teams since 1911. In that year, a printer made a spur-of-the-moment decision to print an alligator emblem on a shipment of the schools football pennants; the mascot stuck, perhaps because the team captain's nickname was Gator. 2082:. Overcollection by humans has strongly hurt many reptile species, especially turtles. The diamondback turtle (Maryland), once extremely common, dropped sharply in the beginning of the 20th century because of its popularity in 1441:; "Working with State Representative Curtis Richardson (D-Tallahassee), the students provided information and answered questions regarding the symbols." In New York, students statewide voted to pick one of four turtles; the 8422: 1885:, a faculty member and the initiator of the football team, had been fascinated by the creatures. By 1897, the lizard appeared as a logo on the front of the school yearbook, which Clark had also started and was managing. 1745:

brought back the traditional (snake-showing) jack for the service's bicentennial. After 1980, the oldest commissioned vessel in the U.S. Navy was designated to use the traditional jack. Since 2002, in response to the

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West Virginia named the timber rattlesnake as its state reptile in 2008. A 2009 article, "West Virginia's state reptile", in the state wildlife magazine drew a connection to the older American rattlesnake symbol:

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timber rattlesnake (West Virginia), the IUCN notes the animal as losing range in many parts of the northeastern U.S., but because the animal is numerous in the southern Appalachians, it is also Least Concern.

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Texas stresses the conservation needs of the Texas horned lizard: "It is perhaps most appropriate for designation as an official state symbol because, like many other things truly Texan, it is a threatened

2044:"Reptiles and amphibians are an important part of the environment...They help control harmful pests and are prey for other creatures. Needless killing...must stop. Wild areas...should be preserved." 7641: 90:

Because of their cold-blooded nature, reptiles are more common in warmer climates, and 19 of the 28 state reptiles represent southern states. Six states chose a species named after the state. A

2222:, which occurs over much of the central United States and almost all of Wyoming. Within that genus, there are ten species at Least Concern and one at Near Threatened and one at Data Deficient. 2041:"As a group are neither 'good' nor 'bad', but are interesting and unusual, although of minor importance. If they should all disappear it would not make much difference one way or the other." 6616: 1707:, some of the state reptiles have had previous appearances in American politics. In particular, the timber rattlesnake (West Virginia) has had close association with American independence. 1023: 8078: 7940: 4327: 1881:

since 1896. According to legend, the football team identified with the lizards found on the practice field as the athletes and reptiles were similarly scrappy. The college founder's son,

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would be a better representative. The turtle also drew scorn for often perishing on roads, but its most serious problem was a too-close association with bordering state, North Carolina.

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Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia.

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In contrast to the positive symbology of the rattlesnake, some political use has been for criticism. The snapping turtle (New York) was the central feature of a famous American

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In terms of common divisions of reptiles, turtles are most popular. Fifteen of the twenty-seven states give them official status. The rest of the state reptiles comprise four

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Roosenburg, W. M. (1991). "The diamondback terrapin: population dynamics, habitat requirements, and opportunities for conservation". In Mihurskey, J. A.; Chaney, A. (eds.).

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David, D.; Brunell, A. M.; Carbonneau, D. A.; Dutton, H.J.; Hord, L. J.; Wiley, N.; Woodward, A.R. (1996). "Florida's alligator management program, an update — 1987–1995".

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Gibbons, J. W.; Scott, D. E.; Ryan, T. J.; Buhlmann, K. A.; Tuberville, T. D.; Metts, B. S.; Greene, J. L.; Mills, T.; Leiden, Y.; Poppy, S.; Winne, C.T. (August 2000).

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Gibbons, J. W.; Scott, D. E.; Ryan, T. J.; Buhlmann, K. A.; Tuberville, T. D.; Metts, B. S.; Greene, J. L.; Mills, T.; Leiden, Y.; Poppy, S.; Winne, C.T. (August 2000).

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Gibbons, J. W.; Scott, D. E.; Ryan, T. J.; Buhlmann, K. A.; Tuberville, T. D.; Metts, B. S.; Greene, J. L.; Mills, T.; Leiden, Y.; Poppy, S.; Winne, C.T. (August 2000).

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Gibbons, J. W.; Scott, D. E.; Ryan, T. J.; Buhlmann, K. A.; Tuberville, T. D.; Metts, B. S.; Greene, J. L.; Mills, T.; Leiden, Y.; Poppy, S.; Winne, C.T. (August 2000).

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Gibbons, J. W.; Scott, D. E.; Ryan, T. J.; Buhlmann, K. A.; Tuberville, T. D.; Metts, B. S.; Greene, J. L.; Mills, T.; Leiden, Y.; Poppy, S.; Winne, C.T. (August 2000).

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Gibbons, J. W.; Scott, D. E.; Ryan, T. J.; Buhlmann, K. A.; Tuberville, T. D.; Metts, B. S.; Greene, J. L.; Mills, T.; Leiden, Y.; Poppy, S.; Winne, C.T. (August 2000).

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Gibbons, J. W.; Scott, D. E.; Ryan, T. J.; Buhlmann, K. A.; Tuberville, T. D.; Metts, B. S.; Greene, J. L.; Mills, T.; Leiden, Y.; Poppy, S.; Winne, C.T. (August 2000).

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Gibbons, J. W.; Scott, D. E.; Ryan, T. J.; Buhlmann, K. A.; Tuberville, T. D.; Metts, B. S.; Greene, J. L.; Mills, T.; Leiden, Y.; Poppy, S.; Winne, C.T. (August 2000).

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Gibbons, J. W.; Scott, D. E.; Ryan, T. J.; Buhlmann, K. A.; Tuberville, T. D.; Metts, B. S.; Greene, J. L.; Mills, T.; Leiden, Y.; Poppy, S.; Winne, C.T. (August 2000).

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Schneider, S. H.; Root, T. L. (1998). "Impacts of climate changes on biological resources". In Mac, M. J.; Opler, P. A.; Puckett, C. E.; Haecker; Doran, P. D. (eds.).

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In their almanac of U.S. state symbols, Benjamin and Barbara Shearer spend comparatively little text on state reptiles. They spend a full chapter each on state birds,

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Smith, R.B.; Seigel, R. A.; Smith, K. R. (September 1998). "Occurrence of upper respiratory tract disease in gopher tortoise populations in Florida and Mississippi".

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In their 2000 review article "The global decline of reptiles, deja vu amphibians", Gibbons and colleagues argue that while the general public is more sympathetic to

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lacks a state reptile although it does have an official tree, flower, bird, fish, amphipod, and bat, and an amphibian is under consideration. None of the organized

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has been strongly implicated in the decline of box turtles (Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee). The timber rattlesnake (West Virginia) is threatened by "

1433:(legislature vote only). In 2004, Illinois held a popular vote to pick the painted turtle, but legislation was still required in 2005 to make the choice official. 8249: 8166: 7728: 2292:

Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont.

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Non-turtle Least Concern species: Arizona; Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi; Massachusetts; New Mexico; Ohio; Oklahoma; Texas; Virginia; West Virginia; Wyoming.

1625:) reptiles in warmer climates, the states in the southern half of the United States have more commonly designated a state reptile. From the twenty-four of the 4113:

Texas. Legislature. House of Representatives. 83rd Texas Legislature, Regular Session, House Concurrent Resolution 31, legislative document, May 10, 2013; . (

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Jacobson, E. R. (March 1993). "Implications of Infectious Diseases for Captive Propagation and Introduction Programs of Threatened/Endangered Reptiles".

5437: 1882: 8559: 6537:"Developmental abnormalities of the gonad and abnormal sex hormone concentrations in juvenile alligators from contaminated and control lakes in Florida" 8112: 8068: 7733: 4597: 6495: 6446: 6356: 6307: 6240: 6166: 6093: 6031: 5982: 8465: 8385: 8312: 7756: 7698: 7681: 8614: 8502: 7987: 7982: 7708: 6631: 8675: 8002: 7766: 7274: 1704: 6397: 8517: 8492: 7951: 7718: 6940: 5474: 2180: 1799:

courage...she never wounds ‘till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her."

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had sponsored the turtle election to interest students in politics and said of the results, "as with every election, every vote is important".

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New plant species have harmed the desert tortoise (California, Nevada) and gopher tortoise (Georgia, Florida's official tortoise). Egg-eating

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snake was adopted because it is native to all 88 Ohio counties and is called the 'farmer's friend' because it eats disease-carrying rodents."

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of terrapin meat. Later, in the 19th century, the turtle was appreciated as gourmet food, especially in a stew laced with cream and sherry."

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Candidate state reptiles are not assured of making it through the legislative process. In Minnesota, 1998 and 1999 bills proposing the

50: 2336:(lizard-like creatures from New Zealand, not found in the United States) as an order of reptiles, along with turtles and crocodilians. 8456: 8353: 8124: 5051: 4988: 6433:

Stewart, M. C.; Austin, D. F.; Bourne, J. R. (1993). "Habit structure and the dispersion of gopher tortoises on a nature preserve".

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The longleaf pine ecosystem:ecology, restoration and management. Proceedings of the tall timber fire ecology conference, number 18

5716: 5018: 8554: 8512: 8239: 8144: 8107: 7818: 7626: 7479: 6968: 5201: 2156: 8685: 8380: 8322: 8134: 8032: 8022: 7791: 7776: 7666: 7549: 5935:"The management of amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals in North America: the need for an environmental attitude adjustment" 5871:"The management of amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals in North America: the need for an environmental attitude adjustment" 7738: 5257: 5171: 8497: 8358: 8327: 8058: 7875: 7568: 7439: 7295: 6917: 6898: 6874: 6297: 6215: 6083: 5914: 5835: 5726: 5681: 5654: 5587: 5571: 5326: 2372:

Florida gives a more specialized saltwater reptile, in addition to its state reptile. For comparison, see marine mammals in "

64:, in 1969. Only two states followed in the 1970s, but the ensuing decades saw nominations at a rate of almost one per year. 4488: 3620: 8652: 8632: 8599: 8507: 8417: 8348: 8307: 8193: 8027: 8012: 7977: 7771: 7338: 7254: 7183: 7148: 6977: 6794: 5771: 1859: 94:

was chosen by more than half of the states. In all, the most frequently chosen species, with four states naming it, is the

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developed an emblem with a coiled rattlesnake with the words "Don't tread on me" on a yellow background. Versions of the

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Handbooks of American Natural History: Handbook of Turtles: The Turtles of the United States, Canada, and Baja California

3874: 1741:, recent scholarship asserts that the snake on that jack was a late 19th-century invention. Nevertheless, in 1975, the 8471: 8407: 8375: 8271: 8183: 8017: 7921: 7916: 7188: 7178: 7173: 7153: 2670: 2073:

describe six causes of reptile reductions, incidentally furnishing several examples of state reptile species impacted.

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In contrast, in the north half of the central and western states, only one, Wyoming, has named a state reptile. In the

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needs of reptiles had lagged that of large mammals and game species. However, comparison of different editions of the

8461: 7972: 7840: 7103: 7018: 1426: 8537: 7364: 6860:"Turtles of the world, 2010 update: Annotated checklist of taxonomy, synonymy, distribution and conservation status" 1483:"Whereas, the painted turtle is a hard worker and can withstand cold temperatures like the citizens of Vermont, and 68:

are more common, with all 50 states naming one, and they were adopted earlier, with the first one selected in 1927.

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reptile. Florida also named an official tortoise, the gopher tortoise, the same animal as Georgia's state reptile.

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Guyer, C.; Bailey, M. A. (1993). "Amphibians and reptiles of longleaf pine communities". In Herman, S. M. (ed.).

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Gopher tortoises (Georgia, Florida's official tortoise) have been impacted by the loss of 97% of the Southeast's

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Guillette, L. J.; Gross, T. S.; Masson, G. R.; Matter, J. M.; Percival, H. F.; Woodward, A. R. (August 1994).

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The American Alligator to be designated as the Mississippi State Reptile; provide...02/21 Approved by Governor

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line, only four lack a state reptile. From east to west, they are Delaware, Virginia, Kentucky, and Arkansas.

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In keeping with the general issues of reptiles, some of the U.S. state reptiles are dwindling species. The

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Three states chose reptiles that were already prominently associated with a major university in the state:

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region, there is a cluster of three states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio) that named a reptile. In the

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does show increasing sensitivity to U.S. reptile conservation over the last half of the 20th century.

8412: 7529: 7509: 7444: 7384: 7374: 6408: 5482: 5231: 4267:"Joint resolution relating to the designation of the painted turtle as the state reptile (J.R.S. 57)" 2648: 2150: 4155: 1429:. Although many states require the bill to be signed by the governor, in some the enabling act is a 285: 8048: 7524: 7519: 7514: 7499: 7419: 7359: 3397: 2929: 1936:

or common box turtle, has been chosen by three states, with North Carolina and Tennessee using the

1737:, a red and white striped flag. However, although traditionally believed to have been used by the 1598: 1446: 65: 6574: 5934: 5870: 3849: 3553: 3173: 2853: 2719: 7946: 7544: 7404: 7394: 7315: 5393: 5371: 4462: 4376: 4092: 3943: 3672: 3310: 2574: 2132: 1644:, there is another cluster of three participating states (Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont). 1579: 1563: 1554:

named a state reptile; Utah and New Jersey both adopted an official state repitile in the 2010s.

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Rhodin, Anders G.J.; van Dijk, Peter Paul; Inverson, John B.; Shaffer, H. Bradley (2010-12-14).

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since 1932. In that year, the football coach, who had encountered the animal as a boy near the

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A United States flag with a timber rattlesnake predates the stars and stripes flag. In 1775,

7369: 5561: 5089: 4553: 4527: 4117:: accessed July 22, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, 2086:

but is gradually recovering now that harvesting for food has mostly stopped. Capture for the

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in the United States, and several others, also turtles, are threatened at some lesser level.

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Whereas, the colors of the painted turtle represent the beauty of our state in autumn, and

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Hammerson, G.A.; Lavin, P.; Vazquez Díaz, J.; Quintero Díaz, G. & Gadsden, H. (2007).

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Hammerson, G.A.; Lavin, P.; Vazquez Díaz, J.; Quintero Díaz, G. & Gadsden, H. (2007).

8: 8203: 5798: 4896: 4114: 3918: 3647: 3103: 2219: 2215: 2184: 2095: 2091: 1812: 1719: 1711: 1516: 1465: 1151: 997: 80: 5438:"Hearing notice: Red-backed salamander official state amphibian designation act of 2024" 4951: 4550:"The voting is over: students nominate common snapping turtle as official state reptile" 4266: 1647:

Neither of the noncontiguous states, Alaska and Hawaii, have named a state reptile. The

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The common snapping turtle won a close election to become New York State's reptile icon.

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The IUCN status of state reptiles at the genus level is ambiguous. For Massachusetts's

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Turtles, snakes, lizards, and crocodilians are all represented as U.S. state reptiles.

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The Garter Snake became the official reptile of the Commonwealth on January 3, 2007.

3022: 2830: 2696: 2191:. The loggerhead sea turtle is only considered "threatened" under U.S. regulations. 6657: 6556: 6548: 6510: 6461: 6371: 6322: 6255: 6181: 6108: 6046: 5997: 5261: 4804: 4457: 4371: 4227: 4150: 4087: 3938: 3844: 3667: 3548: 3392: 3305: 3287: 3168: 3040: 2924: 2848: 2714: 2643: 2569: 2495: 2119: 2078: 1971: 1878: 1816: 1808: 1738: 1727: 1430: 915: 517: 3701: 2624:

Berry, K.H.; Allison, L.J.; McLuckie, A.M.; Vaughn, M. & Murphy, R.W. (2021).

2549: 1870:, proposed it as a mascot to oppose the Wildcats, Tigers, and such of enemy teams. 610: 8208: 5898: 5851: 4496: 3339: 3020: 2475: 2112: 1949: 1820: 1734: 1587: 1236: 1129: 975: 810: 788: 603: 531: 466: 445: 430: 407: 229: 214: 6802: 6136:

New perspectives in the Chesapeake system: a research and management partnership

5775: 5595: 5594:. Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy. July 28, 2003. Archived from 3286:

Roosenburg, W.M.; Baker, P.J.; Burke, R.; Dorcas, M.E. & Wood, R.C. (2019).

3285: 2623: 1894: 1858:

Maryland honored the diamondback terrapin in 1994, but the mascot of Maryland's

6534: 4941:"They stand for us. Symbols of Missouri. A resource book for Missouri students" 2099: 2087: 1867: 1848: 1824: 1534: 1258: 1174: 1069: 951: 663: 481: 95: 6946: 6684: 5827:

Rattlesnakes: their habits, life histories, and influence on mankind, volume 1

5416:"D.C. Law 23-160. Big Brown Bat Official State Mammal Designation Act of 2020" 2155:

crocodilians having their populations become imbalanced—the animals sexes are

1489:

Whereas, the painted turtle is one of the most common turtles in Vermont, and

8669: 8151: 7469: 7307: 6493: 6444: 6354: 6305: 6238: 6164: 6091: 6029: 5980: 4448: 4362: 4218: 4141: 4078: 3929: 3878: 3835: 3658: 3539: 3383: 3296: 3159: 3031: 2915: 2839: 2705: 2634: 2560: 2486: 2199: 1948:) subspecies. Two bordering western states, California and Nevada, chose the 1389: 1373: 1351: 1332: 1315: 1272: 1167: 1052: 1016: 934: 898: 747: 677: 641: 620: 567: 495: 357: 319: 207: 5333:

In North America, reptiles are most abundant in the warmer southern regions.

4575: 3372: 326: 6233:

Proceedings of the thirteenth working meeting of crocodile specialist group

3825:

Hammerson, G.A.; Acevedo, M.; Ariano-Sánchez, D. & Johnson, J. (2013).

2211: 2106: 2059: 1715: 1545: 1492:

Whereas, the painted turtle adds to the diversity of Vermont's habitat..."

1222: 625: 6570: 2828: 2168: 2013:(horned lizards), Wyoming specified the entire genus, but Texas specified 1613: 6552: 6071: 5902: 5855: 2083: 1911: 1659: 1655:

have state reptiles, although all four have designated official flowers.

1637: 1630: 1470: 1417: 728: 720: 6601: 3196:"2009-73-1901 Kansas Code patriotic emblems, state reptile, designation" 2328:

Formal taxonomy of reptiles combines lizards and snakes into one order,

1425:

A reptile becomes the official state symbol after it is voted in by the

795: 6669: 5746: 2009: 1923: 1789:

Political cartoon depicting merchants attempting to dodge the "Ograbme"

879: 846: 841: 713: 224: 99: 38: 6835:. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources 6774:. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources 2988:"15.03861. Official state tortoise. History.—s. 2, ch. 2008–34 (hist)" 2671:"Bill Text - AB-1776 State government: Pacific leatherback sea turtle" 2025: 1207: 4207: 3763: 2125: 2066: 1965: 1835: 1742: 1723: 1622: 1105: 754: 694: 574: 548: 364: 6661: 5897: 5850: 4328:"Senate concurrent resolution 28 (bill status 2008 regular session)" 3796: 2550:

Hammerson, G.A.; Vazquez Díaz, J. & Quintero Díaz, G.E. (2007).

2128:

have reduced the Texas horned lizard (Texas) from part of its range.

1666:

and Texas horned lizard. Mississippi and North Carolina appeared in

1515:

Ohio touts the ubiquity and practical benefits of its reptile: "The

6912:(3rd ed.). Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Publishing Group. 6893:(2nd ed.). Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Publishing Group. 4620:"SB 1504 Eastern box turtle; designating as official state reptile" 4526:. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Archived from 2694: 2329: 1995: 1981: 1540: 1289: 1033: 764: 658: 584: 476: 295: 6142:. Baltimore, MD: Chesapeake Research Consortium. pp. 227–234. 5349: 3721: 3719: 2782: 2780: 2778: 2776: 2774: 1730:

units in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

83:

were all mascots of a major in-state university. West Virginia's

29: 6432: 2363:

Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee.

2333: 2214:, the listed Least Concern represents the status of the pictured 2142: 1915: 1368: 1253: 831: 336: 252: 183: 147: 57: 5673:

Presidential campaigns: from George Washington to George W. Bush

5512: 1243: 905: 53:

maintain educational web pages that describe the state reptile.

6935: 6686:

Status and trends of the nation's biological resources volume 1

4118: 3716: 2771: 1960: 1907: 805: 512: 91: 6647: 5541:. Bureau of Statistics and Plans: Office of the Governor. 2005 5314: 4918: 3373:

Frost, D.R.; Hammerson, G.A. & Santos-Barrera, G. (2015).

5907:

Reptiles and amphibians: a guide to familiar American species

5860:

Reptiles and amphibians: a guide to familiar American species

5721:. Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole books. p. 103. 4643:"Virginia House crushes box turtle's bid to be state reptile" 3148: 2879:"State symbols/Fla. cracker horse/loggerhead turtle (SB 230)" 2421:. Alabama Department of Archives & History. July 12, 2001 1940:(eastern box turtle) subspecies, and with Missouri using the 1919: 1903: 1750:, the U.S. Navy has all its ships using the First Navy Jack. 1358: 1146: 867: 71:

Before their formal designation as state reptiles, Florida's

6692:. Reston, Virginia: U.S. Geological Survey. pp. 89–116. 6026:. 4th occasional freshwater turtle conference. Laughlin, NV. 5830:. Berkeley: University of California Press. pp. 12–13. 4576:"Minnesota state symbols—unofficial, proposed, or facetious" 4552:. Assemblyman Joel M. Miller. April 26, 2006. Archived from 2829:

Elsey, R.; Woodward, A. & Balaguera-Reina, S.A. (2019).

6682: 6515: