SLIMY TIMES: Bad enough having to deal with one spotted
salamander. Imagine a whole troupe of them crossing the road!

“These salamanders are well known in the Westline area for the
‘Great Salamander Migration,’ which takes place every spring. You
may see hundreds of the little creatures in one night, moving to
their spawning areas, then they will be gone! Interesting,
huh?”

So says Eagle-Eye, our faithful correspondent who often helps us
with bird identification.

He adds, “Fairly common in this area, but seldom seen. Large –
will grow to almost 10 inches in length.Didn’t know they liked
peanut butter!?”

We continue to get feedback on the spotted salamander we showed
readers a week or so ago. Some of it, we admit, is pretty
fascinating stuff.

The migration, though? Imagine explaining to your insurance
company how you slipped on the slime and ended up in the creek!

Kimm Brown of Bradford, proprietor of J&K Pet Store, says
she is familiar with the species because they have had several
brought into the store for identification purposes.

“They are a nocturnal ‘creatures’ and seem to be seen more this
time of year because it is breeding and egg laying season. We also
believe they are being seen more because of the rise in popularity
of decorative fish ponds in yards which is a favorite habitat of
the salamander.”

Kim continues, “And I loved the snake picture in yesterday’s
paper because I had caught and released a baby red belly racer in
my backyard. Red belly racers are on the endangered species list in
PA. And a young man dropped with a baby Eastern milk snake to have
us identify it for him. Milk snakes are another snake very common
to this area and have some beautiful markings. Anyway … It is that
time of Year!”

Melinda Marconi of Ridgway also dropped us a line about our
salamander: “Though the fate of this individual is regrettable, it
is good news to have them nearby. For those concerned about yard
pests, it may intrigue you to know that this species enjoys eating
slugs and various types of insects. Its presence is also a good
indicator of nearby wetlands, which serve to help purify our
water.”

“So while some may consider it displeasing to the eye, it is
really an excellent wildlife find!”