Watch out for frogs and salamanders on the move

April 6, 2022  |  By Waterbury Roundabout  

Vermont Fish & Wildlife biologists ask drivers to be cautious when travelling at night in early spring to avoid driving near ponds and wetlands where salamanders and frogs are crossing during their breeding season. Wood frog by John Hall, VT F&W

Mud season road conditions may have some Vermonters driving less lately, but warm rainy nights make even paved roads a bit of an obstacle course to avoid running over frogs and salamanders on the move this time of year. 

The Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife reminds the public to keep an eye out for the small creatures and to let them pass. If possible, the public can also help document their migration. 

“At this time of year, amphibians cross roads in large numbers to reach vernal pools and other waters for breeding,” says Fish and Wildlife herpetologist Luke Groff. 

Some species of amphibians venture out for just a short period and are difficult to find other times of the year, Groff explained.  “Spotted and blue-spotted salamanders, for example, belong to a group called the ‘mole salamanders’ because after breeding, they retreat underground or under logs or stumps and are rarely seen until the following spring.”

Why did the spotted salamander cross the road? Because it's springtime in Vermont. Watch out for critters and other amphibians making their way at night to vernal pools and their favorite spring habitats. Photo by Luke Groff courtesy Vt. Fish & Wildlife

Biologists rely on amphibian road-crossing events to document rare or otherwise hard-to-find species. For example, the four-toed salamander is rare in Vermont, and its distribution is not well understood. 

This information is used by Fish and Wildlife, the Agency of Transportation, and other conservation partners to assess the need for wildlife passages and barriers in road construction plans that allow all wildlife, not just frogs and salamanders, to safely cross roadways. 

Groff is encouraging Vermonters to explore their nearby roads and report amphibian road crossings to the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas.  If you can safely take photos of the amphibian species crossing, please include them.

Vermonters who wish to contribute to the Fish and Wildlife Department’s work to help frogs and salamanders can donate to the Nongame Wildlife Fund on their state income tax form or on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website.