Reptiles and Amphibians 



Although Montana's reptile and amphi- 

 bian population is small and has few spe- 

 cies, one, at least, is quite remarkable. The 

 axolotl, an amphibian, is a tiger salaman- 

 der that uses a gill-like structure to breathe 

 during its early weeks of life. It develops 

 lungs as it matures into a land-dwelling 

 adult. It is also unusual because it repro- 

 duces while still in the larval stage. Found 

 around some mountain lakes, it hibernates 

 through the long winter, burrowing into 

 the mud. 



Montana has one variety of rattlesnake, 

 as well as garter snakes, bull snakes, and 

 rubber boas. Other amphibians and rep- 

 tiles, found mostly near waterways, are 

 toads, bullfrogs, and turtles. 



2. 



Suggested Activities 



Using Olaus Murie's Field Guide to Ani- 

 mal Tracks, try to identify tracks in 

 mud along creek banks, or in snowy 

 woods. This book gives instructions for 

 making casts of tracks, so you could 

 make a collection of casts for your area. 



You can learn how to observe wildlife in 

 your area. Many animals (such as deer) 

 come to drink early in the morning or at 

 dusk, so timing is important. If you 

 learn to recognize the trails or burrows 

 of small animals, you should be able to 

 sight the inhabitants. Patience and the 

 ability to move quietly or stay still will 

 help you to observe wildlife. 







Rattlesnake 



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