Why did the Salamander Cross the Road?
This is an exciting time of the year when salamanders and other amphibians travel from the upper woodlands where they winter under the leaves, down to the vernal pools where they breed and lay their eggs. Last year my oldest son and I went out with Audubon Vermont and helped be citizen scientists collecting data of how many amphibians we counted crossing the road near their Audubon Office and Education Barn on Sherman Hollow Rd. We also helped move the animals from the upper side of the road to the lower side so they didn't get run over by cars.
It is pretty amazing to see the migration of amphibians for yourself. When can they best be seen? Exactly this time of year, at night, especially when it is raining!
If you want to go out:
- Make a plan with your family,
- Wear reflective gear when you go, especially if you are near a road,
- Have flashlights or headlamps and dress accordingly.
- As with all wild animals handling them can endanger their lives and some are safer to touch than others.
