State Reptiles of the USA

There are 28 official state reptiles in the United States.

State reptiles, like other state emblems, are compared to admirable features of the reptile and the state. Schoolkids frequently launch campaigns to promote their favorite reptile for lawmakers to designate it as a state symbol.

In 1969, Oklahoma designated the common collared lizard as the state reptile, becoming the first state to do so. Only two states followed in the 1970s, but nominations increased at a rate of almost one per year throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

State birds are more popular than state reptiles, with all 50 states selecting one. There are also 48 State Insects and numerous state dog breeds.

Before becoming state reptiles, Florida’s alligator, Maryland’s terrapin, and Texas horned lizard were all university mascots. The West Virginia timber rattlesnake was an early American flag symbol dating back to 1775.

Reptiles are more common in warmer climates due to their cold-blooded nature, and 19 of the 28 state reptiles come from the southern United States. Six states picked a species named for the state. More than half of the states chose a turtle.