Creatures Around The Lake: Northwestern Salamander

   There might likely be a Northwestern Salamander living in your yard, or at least in your neighborhood.  These salamanders lay an egg mass in fresh water in early spring, with hatchlings that look like tiny fish with feathery gills on the side of the body. As they grow, some salamanders remain in the water as adults, while others undergo metamorphosis and move to dry land.  To protect themselves from being eaten, adults have a gland that secretes a sticky white poison.  At worst, this only gives humans a rash.  They also emit a ticking sound when threatened.

     Northwestern Salamanders have been sighted gracefully swimming in Haller Lake.  One was also found in a local garden this winter.  It was under a fern, and had rolled itself up into a tight ball. Also exciting was a recent sighting of a Western Redbacked Salamander, living under a stepping stone in a neighborhood garden.

-Susan Derge