Wild Things in Your Woodlands

摘要

The spotted salamander is relatively common and widespread in New York State. Spotted salamanders are most noticeable in the early spring for a short period of time when they congregate in large numbers to breed. During this explosive breeding period,which usually occurs in March or early April, spotted salamanders make mass migrations at night toward nearby pools and ponds. The breeding migration generally is triggered by the first warm, steady spring rains, even if there is snow remaining on the ground. The males, who often arrive first, begin swimming about in a highly active state that becomes nearly a frenzy when females arrive in the pond to mate.