Maine’s diverse landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its vast forests, support a variety of wildlife. Many people wonder about the types of reptiles that inhabit the state, particularly the apparent absence of native lizards. This exploration will clarify why Maine does not host native lizard populations and highlight the reptiles that do call this northeastern state home.
Why No Native Lizards Call Maine Home
Lizards are ectothermic animals, meaning their body temperature is regulated by external sources, primarily sunlight and environmental heat. This physiological characteristic makes them sensitive to temperature fluctuations and dictates their geographical distribution.
Maine’s climate presents significant challenges for native lizard survival, primarily due to its cold, snowy winters and relatively mild, short summers. Winter average temperatures can drop to less than 15°F in northern Maine and around 25°F in the south, with January being the coldest month, averaging 9°F to 22°F.
The brief warm season, with summer averages ranging from 60°F to 70°F, offers a limited window for lizards to grow, reproduce, and gather sufficient resources for overwintering. Many lizard species and their eggs are vulnerable to freezing temperatures, making successful reproduction and survival through long, harsh winters difficult. The extreme cold and short periods of warmth fundamentally limit the establishment of self-sustaining native lizard populations in Maine.
Reptiles Found in Maine
Despite the absence of native lizards, Maine supports a variety of other reptile species, primarily snakes and turtles, which have adapted to the state’s climate. Maine is home to nine native snake species and seven native turtle species. These reptiles employ strategies, such as brumation, a state of metabolic depression similar to hibernation, to endure the cold winter months by burrowing underground or submerging beneath water bodies.
Common snake species found throughout Maine include the Common Garter Snake, often seen near water, in woods, and even in urban areas. These non-venomous snakes are observed basking on rocks to absorb heat. The Northern Water Snake, another prevalent species, prefers aquatic habitats like ponds and slow-moving streams, where it also basks on logs or rocks. The Smooth Green Snake, known for its bright green coloration, blends with vegetation and preys on insects and spiders.
Maine’s waters and wetlands also host several turtle species. The Eastern Painted Turtle and Midland Painted Turtle are common, recognized by their vibrant shell patterns and their habit of basking on logs or rocks in calm, shallow waters. The Northern Snapping Turtle, a large and widespread species, inhabits various aquatic environments and is notable for its powerful jaws. Other native turtles include the Eastern Musk Turtle, the smallest turtle species in Maine, and the Wood Turtle, often found near water but venturing onto land.