Birds I Mammals I Fish I Reptiles & Amphibians I Insects

Reptiles and Amphibians and
the Lake Ontario Shoreline

Of all the wildlife along the shore, reptiles and amphibians rely the most on a healthy Lake Ontario shoreline and wetlands. The shoreline and wetlands serve as breeding and nesting areas, food sources, shelter and hibernation sites. All amphibians must lay their eggs in water or very wet areas and many turtles live in or near water.

Although not as popular as mammals and birds, reptiles and amphibians perform essential functions for the homeowner. Frogs and toads help reduce insect numbers, including mosquito and black flies. Snakes help keep rodent numbers in control and many other reptiles and amphibians are food for birds and mammals.

Turtles use sandy shores for egg laying. They use fallen logs as sunning areas and woody debris in the water provides habitat for aquatic organisms that the turtles feed on.

To attract more reptiles and amphibians to your property:

• Protect streams and ponds, and small pools that form in the spring (vernal pools).
• Create a small garden pond.
• Place overturned clay pots (cut in half) in your garden and around your yard for toads to use as shelter.
• Protect wetlands on your property.