Herpetology at the Burke
Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. Washington is home to 25 species of reptiles and 27 species of amphibians—some found nowhere else in the world!
The herpetological collection at the Burke contains more than 8,000 specimens of amphibians and reptiles, and is particularly strong in amphibians and garter snakes from the Pacific Northwest. These specimens are a resource for researchers at the Burke Museum and beyond. Learn more.
What do amphibians eat? How do frogs swallow their prey? Why are frogs so endangered? We put together answers to some of the most common questions we get asked in herpetology.
Do you know where rattlesnakes live? Which salamander breathes through its skin? We invite you to explore the diversity of Northwestern reptiles and amphibians in our online checklists; you'll see pictures of these fascinating species, learn about their habits, and even pick up some cool biology facts about each of them.
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