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Many species of reptiles and amphibians produce offspring that are self-sufficient, and are able to regulate their body temperatures and forage for themselves immediately after birth, thereby eliminating the need for parental care. Of the Missouri species, all amphibians, turtles, and lizards lay eggs. Of the 47 species of snakes found here, approximately half lay eggs, which the other half give live birth. While we do sometimes have ‘baby’ reptiles that come in to the center, most of them are healthy and have just been displaced by people thinking that they needed assistance. Unless the animal needs assistance with navigating potentially dangerous areas like roads, it is important to leave babies where they are found because it helps them to grow and establish their home ranges.
The vast majority of reptiles and amphibians that come into the Nature Center for care are adults. While some come in because of injuries from cats, dogs, lawn mowers and weed eaters; the majority of the herptiles that are received are turtles, primarily those that have been hit by cars.
More Information
For more information on found reptiles and amphibians, go to these sites at Operation Wildlife:
Snake
Turtle
Turtles in Need.