As the rains of late winter begin to fall and the temporary ponds that develop in our wooded areas begin to lose their ice cover, the animals that use “vernal pools” migrate to them to breed and lay their eggs. This migration can last into early spring on rainy nights. Once eggs are laid, the salamanders move back to the woodlands where they spend the rest of the year. Typically salamanders travel 250-500ft to get to their pools, but there are reports of them moving over 1200ft to get to new breeding areas.
PLEASE keep your eyes on the road for salamanders, frogs, and toads migrating on these rainy nights. The spotted salamander can live up to 25 years and grow to SIX inches in length.
Red eft: Notophthalmus viridescens Marbled salamander Ambystoma opacum
Pretty! This has been an incredibly wonderful post. Jo-Anne Yankee Ludwog