Wildlife Wednesday 03/04/2026

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! It is the time of year when we observe, appreciate, and celebrate Ohio’s state amphibian (and a TWC mascot), the spotted salamander!

A type of mole salamander, this cute creature with bright yellow spots and a perpetual smile lives most of its life underground.

After a long winter of brumation (similar to hibernation), spotted salamanders emerge from their burrows and venture above-ground for their mass migration. They need very specific conditions to undergo this journey. The temperature must be warm (40-50 degrees F or above), the snowpack must be melted, and the weather must be damp throughout the night. This usually happens in late February or March in Ohio.

Typically the first steady gentle overnight rain as spring approaches will trigger the nocturnal parade, referred to as a “Big Night.” The salamanders travel in numbers of hundreds and even thousands to their breeding grounds, vernal pools in mature forests. 

Vernal pools are ephemeral basins of water, which due to their temporary nature do not provide habitat for fish. This is ideal for amphibians who mate and lay their egg masses in water, as they do not have to worry about fish predation.

The salamander mating ritual consists of elaborate circling and spiraling in the water, the males nudging the snouts and cheeks of the females.

Drivers should avoid unnecessary travel on warm rainy nights near wetlands at this time of year, as vehicles are a major threat and can cause casualties to the population. If on a road, slow down, remain vigilant, and watch for these charismatic creatures crossing.