The last of the winter chill may still be in the air in some parts of the country, but spring is coming, slowly but surely. With it comes flowers, sunlight, and, my favorite part, amphibians. The warming, wet weather is perfect for frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts, which are beginning to emerge from their winter hiding places deep in the substrate.
Most amphibians in the northeastern US lay their eggs in seasonal wetlands, which tend to dry up in the late summer. A few, such as the marbled salamander, get an early start, laying during the fall when the pools are dry, with the eggs hatching as they fill in with moisture later on, giving them a head-start on other amphibians. Wood frogs are another early-bird; their bodies literally contain an antifreeze-like compound which lets them emerge from the cold earlier than other frogs. And you'll certainly know that spring is here when the spring peepers start their chorusing - they are one of the most numerous and vocal of the frogs where I live.
When you drive on these wet nights in late winter and early spring, keep your eyes on the road (I mean, more than you normally would, which I hope is a lot to begin with). You may see a knot of toads or a horde of salamanders squiggling across the road on their way to breeding sites. Drive carefully to make sure that everyone makes it where they need to go. Maybe you'll even help someone across the street. (And if you decide to go out looking for amphibians yourself along the roads, please remember to be safe, watch for cars, and wear reflective clothing. Only get out to go herping if it safe to do so - use common sense and follow laws!)
Winter Blizzards Bring Spring Lizards:
How to find amphibians during their spring breeding migrations
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