Amphibians Breeding in Winter?
This is so cool to see firsthand!
Some years ago, we noticed something interesting. Right in the middle of winter, the Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) in our area like to breed. Once things warm up a bit and the woods floods due to rains and some melting snow, these fossorial creatures emerge from their underground burrows and mate in the vernal pools on the forest floor. In February's past, we've caught them in the act and this year, we search them out once again. Come, join us on the search, and enjoy the show!
