This Northern Red Salamander (Pseudotriton r. ruber) was found by a Forest crew member while cleaning drainages along the road. These stout bodied lungless salamanders are bright red in color with black spots ranging from 4-7 inches in length at the adult stage. They prefer clear, cool running water habitats like the natural drainages and springs in Black Rock Forest. The northern red salamander is primarily found in along the western side of the Hudson valley but has been documented in smaller numbers along the Southern Tier region of New York. Unlike mole salamanders, the northern red salamander does not migrate to breeding areas such as vernal pools each spring. They spend most of their time under leaves, debris, rocks, and logs during daylight hours, but will venture out under the cover of darkness to forage.
Photo: Conor Jones
By Aaron Culotta