Herp. Hunting Etiquette Tips for Safe Nocturnal Searches This Spring
Spring thaw is just around the corner, and although it's hard to believe the salamanders will be moving soon they will be coming out withing the next few weeks. Conditions have to be just right for salamanders to migrate from their wintering grounds to breeding ponds. Some of the earliest movers for the Eastern US region are the spotted salamanders though marbles and others are close behind.
To view these early emergent visitors you should look for the the perfect conditions (often nocturnal, including at least 45-50 degree temperatures (Fahrenheit), light rain, and lengthening days. Usually these conditions in our region (Maryland) are met around the second or third week of February though this can be variable from year to year. It's not unheard of to see salamanders moving through snow piles to reach their ponds.
There are environmentally friendly ways to look for salamanders and early herps (meaning the study of reptiles and amphibians, short for herpetological), and methods that can cause major harm to an ecosystem. This post is about spring herp hunting etiquette.
There are some advantages to early migration by salamanders (and other herps), this is especially true if the salamander larvae (young) take longer to develop than other species, there is intense competition for resources, their vernal pools dry up quickly, to avoid predation, and give the young a head start. Knowing the salamanders that move early can give you clues as to where and when to look for them. Nocturnal migration is very common for larger salamanders and many species of herps. This is why male frogs rely on sound cues to call females.
How Can I Find Early Migrating Salamanders?
The best way to view the early salamander migrants is to join local reptile and amphibian surveyors when they go out. In our region we have the Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas folks that survey each county regularly. There are reptile and amphibian monitoring organizations in every state. Some are run by the Department of Natural Resources and some are run privately. Most of them usually have the blessing of some larger coordinating body to ensure legal rules are followed and for the sharing of data and information. Many outdoor education centers also conduct seasonal vernal pool surveys and walks as well. Regional outdoor organizations will also have documentation about the best places and times to watch emergence, which can be very helpful.
When you go out to search for herps remember to look right around the pond's edges as well as the upland slopes surrounding the ponds. These slopes are where salamanders and frogs often crawl or hop to hunt and find shelter.
If you are surveying night-time migrations, such as spotted salamanders, be sure to find places where they may cross to get from their woodland areas to their breeding ponds. This may include a "warm" road or sidewalk. If you can make visitors and drivers aware of these crossing areas (with signs or regulations) and try to keep people from driving there at night. Night time driving in migration zones is a major cause of mortality for mating reptiles and amphibians. You can buy salamander and reptile crossing signs online, here's one for salamanders on Amazon.
Salamander and herp hunting can be quite fun if it's done safely and with the intention to do as little harm as possible to the environment. Help others by making them aware of these simple tips and idea when you're going out.
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