Ecology and Vulnerability

Reptiles

Reptiles are animals covered in scales. They use lungs to breathe air for their whole life, in contrast with amphibians with whom reptiles commonly share wetland habitat ². Most reptiles, but not all, lay eggs ¹. They are also almost all cold-blooded, though some species such as the leatherback sea turtle can regulate their body temperature at least somewhat. Common reptiles in Massachusetts include eastern garter snakes and painted turtles.