Watch Out for Newts on the Move

—  from Shona Aitken —

Have you seen any Rough-skinned Newts this fall?

These little brown amphibians with orange bellies are moving from the ponds and wetlands where they spent the summer, into the surrounding woodland where they’ll hide under rotten logs and leaves during the winter months. Sadly their route often takes them across roads where many are squished by cars. They are small and difficult to see, especially at night, but if you know the areas where they cross roads you can watch out for these little creatures and have a better chance of avoiding them. You can also gently scoop them up and move them off the road. (Just wash your hands afterwards).

If you see newts crossing roads in your area and would like to warn people to look out for them, you can request a digital copy of a Newt Crossing sign from Kwiaht, which you can then print out and put up. (The sign meets county standards for temporary signs if put up only when newts are present in spring and fall.)

In past years people have reported seeing newts crossing Victorian Valley Drive, Orcas Road near Fowlers Pond, Mt Constitution Road near Summit Lake, and Channel Road near Richardson Marsh.

Please drive carefully and look out for newts in these areas.

If you do see newts in these or any other areas in San Juan County, we would love to know so we have an idea where these little animals are living and especially where their movements take them across busy roads.
You can help. Call Wolf Hollow at 360-378-5000 or contact us by email at wolfhollow@wolfhollowwildlife.org or contact Kwiaht at kwiaht@gmail.com.