Reptiles are ectothermic or cold-blooded, which means they cannot control their own body temperature. They must work with their environment to increase or decrease their body temperature. Basking in the sun raises their body temperature, and they move faster when warm.Take care with pet reptiles and amphibians.Healthy reptiles and amphibians can carry Salmonella and other germs that make people sick-especially young children. Take steps to keep you and your family healthy!Many people think that Salmonella infections are caused only by contaminated food, but you can also get infected by handling reptiles, which include turtles, lizards, and snakes, and amphibians like frogs, and salamanders.