They Look Just Like Sticks
By John Francis
Spotted Salamanders gather to breed in meltwater pools early in spring. They like to move on rainy nights, but you will also see them on cool, wet days. They often cross roads, especially in wet areas, especially in March and April. They just look like a stick. (Please don’t run over sticks in March and April.)
The salamander below was on a trail in the national park on March 24; it was close to 20cm (8”) long. The one above, slightly smaller, was on Cyprus Lake Road. I moved him to the shoulder.
Excellent info can be found at: https://ontarionature.org/programs/citizen-science/reptile-amphibian-atlas/spotted-salamander/
Jenna McGuire posted a fine video of a mob of breeding Spotted Salamanders on March 25: https://www.facebook.com/mcguiresillustratedguide/
