CONTACT:
Melissa Doperalski: (603) 271-1738
Wildlife Division: (603) 271-2461
April 24, 2020
CONCORD, NH – Predicted rains and the onset of milder temperatures signals the start of another spring season’s regional migratory marathon. Frogs, spotted salamanders, and toads will be on the move to mate in temporary waterbodies called vernal pools. During this “race,” they must safely arrive at the vernal pools, breed, and then lay eggs. Once the young hatch, they must grow legs before the vernal pools dry up during the summer. In a changing climate, New Hampshire’s summers are becoming hotter and dryer, which may cause these vernal pools to evaporate sooner than they normally would.
Over the next several weeks, you can help amphibians on their journeys to vernal pools by limiting driving after dark when it’s raining. If you’re out on a rainy night, remember frogs and salamanders, advises the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program. Once you’re off larger state roads, slow down. Be safe, but if you see dots in the road, try to avoid hitting them. Migrating amphibians are rather easy to spot because many will be hopping. Be a hero for some of the Granite State’s smallest marathoners!
If you see frogs or salamanders, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department encourages you to report your sightings online to the Reptile and Amphibian Reporting Program (RAARP) through New Hampshire Wildlife Sightings at www.nhwildlifesightings.unh.edu.
Learn more about New Hampshire’s diversity of amphibians and reptiles at www.wildnh.com/nongame/reptiles-amphibians.html.