Amphibian Season is Upon Us!

Spotted Salamanders

Wood Frog

Amphibian Season is nearly hear so get out your rubber boots and flashlights and help a few cross the road! Yes, that’s right… they need help safely crossing roads, avoiding traffic. Now, obviously, YOU must avoid the traffic as well, so please look for organized groups that do this on a regular basis. They are few and far between, but they are out there.

One of our local groups in southeast PA is the Amphibian Preservation Alliance, a group founded by Nadine Bergeron. Check out Nadine’s objectives and accomplishments at: http://www.myspace.com/earthvisionweavers/blog/291341385

How do we know when they will be out? The ‘simple’ rule is that in early spring (which varies greatly throughout eastern North America–in my area it is typically the first week of March), we wait for two rainy nights in a row when the temperature rises above freezing to around 40° F. This creates a thaw with very wet grounds, triggering the ‘migration’ of salamanders and frogs! Of course where to go look for them is another question… that’s where the research for your region is needed.

Expect to be out well after dark, so carry a light, dress in visible clothing and join a crowd to be safe! Good luck!