Week of April 10, 2022 – April 16, 2022
by Melissa Kirby, Environmental Educator
Rainy days and above freezing nights have been in the weather forecast. This is a time of year where I can’t help but feel the excitement and anticipation of salamander migrations. The yellow spotted salamander is one I look most forward to seeing.
In the spring, yellow spotted salamanders will emerge from their underground wintering sites and head to ponds to breed. They lay their eggs in the water and the hatched larvae will remain aquatic until juveniles are ready to emerge onto land to live out the rest of their life cycle, returning only to water to reproduce.
When you look at pictures of these eye-catching amphibians you’ll notice distinct dark grooved skin with popping yellow spots on the backs and sides of their body. This certainly is a good time to have salamanders on the mind, but what else are you excited about or anticipating as the spring season moves forward?
And don’t forget: April showers bring May flowers! So get outside and enjoy the rain while you can while still getting excited for the beautiful wildflowers that will be here before you know it.