Yellow Spotted Salamander – 2/17/22

Observer: Faith Berkland

Observation Date: 2/17/22

Observation Time: 4:20 p.m.

Observation Location: 359 Mansfield Street, Sharon

Common Name: Yellow Spotted Salamander

Scientific Name: Ambystoma maculatum

Comments: Although it’s generally best not to handle amphibians, it was on the street so I picked it up and put it under some leaves across the street before a car came. Unfortunately I did not get a photo.

Salamanders typically do not emerge until “Big Night” – the first rainy night after the snow melts in late March. Perhaps the recent warm weather (up to 60º in February) has fooled them into coming out early – a potentially fatal mistake if freezing weather returns.

More Information: animaldiversity.org