Invasive and nonnative animals in Ohio
Last checked November 3, 2026 against official sources.
1 nonnative animal is named on an official list for Ohio: “Reptiles of Ohio Field Guide (Publication 5354)” (Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife).
To report a sighting, see how to report.
Being on a list of nonnative species does not always mean an animal is harmful or established: each list below is described in its source's terms. A sighting of a listed animal is still worth reporting to the agency.
Reptiles of Ohio Field Guide (Publication 5354)
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, PUBLICATION 5354. 1 animal.
-
Common (European) Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis
Hamilton, Butler and Clermont counties (The lizards can now be found in several areas in Hamilton, Butler, and Clermont Counties) Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife
How to report a sighting in Ohio
ODNR Division of Wildlife: 1-800-WILDLIFE (Wildlife headquarters and district offices are listed in the 2018 Reptiles of Ohio guide). An older undated ODNR brochure (Pub 115) asks people to report timber rattlesnake sightings by mail to the Division of Wildlife, 360 E. State Street, Athens, OH 45701; that address may be out of date. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife
Do not try to catch or handle the animal. A photo taken from a safe distance, the place and the date help the agency.
Sources
- Reptiles of Ohio Field Guide (Publication 5354). Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. PUBLICATION 5354; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (2)
“This exotic species was introduced into Cincinnati in 1951 and has become well established.”
“For more information about Ohio’s native wildlife, please contact the Division of Wildlife: 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-750-0750 Ohio Relay TTY only)”