New Hampshire Nature Notes
by Eric Orff

This one will be called

Monday 03/27/2006

Epson- The focus is on frogs, salamanders and toads the next few days says wildlife biologist Eric Orff. Particularly important will be the NEXT rainy night. This one will be called "The big night." by amphibian watchers across all of central and southern NH. During the next rain after dark tens of thousands of yellow spotted salamanders, spring peepers and wood frogs will be swarming across this state's roads. Upwards of 80 percent of the yellow spotted salamanders will move that first night as soon as the ground is soaked with rain.

Unfortunately thousands will be killed as they cross our roads. But you can make a difference. Simply put, AVOID DRIVING AT NIGHT IF IT IS RAINING, if you possibly can. Listen to the forecast on your way home from work and get that gallon on your way home rather than going back out after dark.

If you must drive after dark in the rain, focus for frogs on the road right in front of you. Get off the cell phone and slow down. Way down. Many frogs will be moving and can easily be spotted, but salamanders crawl at a creep. Steer around or straddle any frogs or small items in the road. Salamanders look like little sticks, but are shinny up close.

April will be the month for salamanders to move into their breeding areas going into them, then leaving about a week later, during the next rainy night. New Hampshire's several frog species will be moving all of April and much of May. The spring peepers will be soon followed by American toads and green frogs, then in May tree frogs and bull frogs.

You can make a difference in your community for salamander and frog abundance. Focus on frogs the next few weeks.