Involvement
State Herps
Indiana State Herps
The Hoosier Herp Society is proud to launch a dynamic initiative, and we're inviting you to be part of it. Our goal? To lobby for the official recognition of the Kirtland's Snake as Indiana's State Reptile and the Eastern Hellbender as our State Amphibian. Join the Hoosier Herp Society's cause and let's together elevate the status of the Kirtland's Snake and the Eastern Hellbender. Help us celebrate Indiana's rich herpetological diversity and promote its conservation. Let's bring these incredible creatures into the spotlight they truly deserve!
Sign the Online Petition
Help make your voice heard and sign the petition to make the Kirtland snake and Hellbender salamander the Indiana state reptile and salamander!
Indiana State Reptile
Kirtland's Snake
The Kirtland's Snake is a vital part of Indiana's biodiversity, favoring wetlands and maintaining ecological balance with its diet of earthworms and slugs. Despite its significance, habitat loss puts it at risk, earning it an 'Endangered' status in Indiana. This underscores the urgent need to protect its habitats and our commitment to preserving Indiana's unique natural heritage.
HHS History with Kirtland's Snake
In 1994, members of the H.H.S. (in cooperation with the D.N.R.), captured and relocated endangered Kirtland's snakes (Clonophis kirtlandii) to a new location. The original habitat was to be destroyed to make way for an industrial park. The Kirtland’s project was implemented to save this large population of the species. To this date, Kirtland's snakes have been observed at the new relocation site!
Indiana State Amphibian
The Hellbender
The Eastern Hellbender, North America's largest aquatic salamander, is a significant component of Indiana's ecosystem. Thriving in clean, fast-flowing rivers, they serve as living indicators of our waterways' health. Despite their ecological importance, they're at risk due to habitat degradation and pollution, marking them as 'Endangered' in Indiana. This highlights the urgency of conservation efforts. Their survival is integral to preserving Indiana's biodiversity and the health of our aquatic environments.
