salamander migration

Spring is a magnificent time of the year when nature does so many wonderful things. This is when I find myself on a set routine waiting for the next major natural event to happen (and it normally happens right on schedule). My biggest and most favorite activity to participate in is the migration of the Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum).

The Spotted Salamander is in the mole salamander family and they live about 3 meters (6 feet) underground. Their major diet is worms, slugs, snails, insects, and spiders. They have been known to live up to 25 years in captivity. Rarely do we have an opportunity to see these underground dwellers except during the springtime when they migrate to vernal pools where they breed. These vernal pools are a scientific name for mud puddles that fill up from the snow melt and rain runoff.