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Rattlesnake at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, photo by Jeremiah Zurenda
HOW TO: Avoid Unwanted Snake Encounters

Snakes aren’t on everyone’s must-see list, but the chances of an encounter increase as you spend more time in Outdoor Oklahoma. To get tips for avoiding negative snake encounters, we checked in with biologists and learned so much more about Oklahoma snakes.

A brown snake with a dark pattern coils and faces the camera.
Introducing Oklahoma’s Reptiles and Amphibians

Thanks to a mix of habitats and environmental conditions, Oklahoma’s reptiles and amphibians are 140 species strong. Learn more about resident turtles, snakes, salamanders, lizards, and frogs of our Wildlife Management Areas.

A brown and tan blotched snake is curled with its head pointing above the coil.
Highlights from Oklahoma’s History of Herpetology

The archived history of herpetology shows the compounding value of past reptile and amphibian conservation efforts and incredible potential for the future.

A man stands in the water with a net full of geese swimming before him.
Cackling Geese Tracked in Central Flyway Study

Researchers are tracking cackling geese wintering in a five-state study area to learn more about their movements and habitat preferences.

A small brown bat hangs upside down.
Study Focused on Bats and Disease-causing Fungus

Bat surveys were conducted to learn more about Oklahoma’s bat communities and hundreds of bats were swabbed for the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome.

River otters sit on a large rock surrounded by water.
Chill Out with Winter Wildlife!

From butterflies to frogs to snakes, many species turn their backs to winter and seek shelter, hibernate, or migrate; however, some remain that have adapted to the cold conditions.

black-capped chickadee sits on white twig.
Backyard Bird Habitat

With just a few minor tweaks to your gardening plans throughout the year, you can cultivate a welcoming winter backyard bird habitat.

A brown salamander with a golden stripe on its tail
Wildlife Trivia

How well do you know Oklahoma’s wildlife? Challenge yourself with these 10 wildlife trivia questions!

A corkboard with two images of brown birds with black and white heads
Wild Double Take: White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows

Tips for identifying two Oklahoma look-alike sparrows, the white-throated and white-crowned sparrows.

Ringed Salamander, photo by Taylor Carlson
Surveyors Study Secretive Salamanders

Less than an inch of rain fell on Oct. 9, 2018, but it was enough to prompt 196 ringed salamanders to emerge from their underground homes and embark on their annual journey.