Coming soonAmphibians
Big night: spotted salamanders crossing roads in the spring rain
When: February to April
On one of the first rainy nights above 40 degrees each spring, spotted salamanders and wood frogs surge across eastern Massachusetts roads toward vernal pools.
Why this time of year
The event lands in March or April, so late winter is when families start watching the forecast for the first mild, rainy night after the ground thaws.
How to notice it
- From late February on, watch the forecast for a rainy night above 40 degrees once the ground has thawed.
- Find an organized amphibian crossing event or a wildlife sanctuary Big Night program rather than picking a random road.
- Bring a bright light and wear something reflective; drivers see poorly in night rain.
- If you help one across at an organized crossing, use clean rain-wet hands with no bug spray, lotion, or sanitizer, and carry it the direction it was already walking.
Try this with kids: Can you check whether tonight will be rainy and warmer than 40 degrees?
vernal pools are woodland breeding pools that dry by late summer, which keeps fish out
Safety
- Never stand in an active traffic lane; stay on the shoulder with an adult.
- Wear a reflective vest and carry a bright light on crossing nights.
- Do not handle amphibians with sunscreen, bug spray, lotion, or hand sanitizer on your hands; amphibians absorb chemicals through their skin.
- Clean, wet hands only, and only for the brief moment it takes to move an animal off the road.
Sources
- massaudubon.orgevery spring around March or April, on early rainy nights above 40 degrees F, spotted salamanders, Jefferson salamanders, wood frogs, and spring peepers migrate to vernal pools
- extension.unh.eduBig Night happens on warm rainy nights above 40 degrees F after the ground thaws, usually March, April, or May; frogs and salamanders are hit by cars; community crossing groups help
- harriscenter.orgsafe to hold amphibians briefly with clean wet hands; hands must be free of bug spray, soap, perfume, lotion, sanitizer; reflective vest and bright light are required road safety gear
In the guide for February, March, April