If it's a rainy night between late March and early April, and you're driving along the Stouffville Side Road in the dark between 9:00pm and 5:00am.... you may encounter a road closure and have to make a detour.
Why is the road closed? Accident? Police investigation? Midnight construction crew?
No, none of those reasons. It's mating season for the Jefferson Salamanders, an endangered species here in Ontario, and the salamanders want to cross the road to their breeding swamps and ponds to lay eggs and make more little salamanders.
Sweet little chap, isn't he? or she? Looking for love!
 |
| Photo pilfered from Toronto Star. |
They are nocturnal amphibians, grey or brown sometimes with blue flecks on the side, and a long tail making up half of their length. Surprisingly they can live for up to 30 years!
The road closures have allowed more than 150 Jefferson Salamanders to cross safely. In 2011 the salamander's status went from threatened to endangered. The population is assumed to be declining, so we have to do what we can to keep our lovely little Jefferson Salamanders happy and healthy.
More information about the Jefferson Salamander.
