BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — MassWildlife is urging drivers to look out for amphibians on the road this spring.
According to officials, spring rains tell amphibians that it is time to leave their winter retreats and migrate to breeding sites or new areas. Oftentimes these creatures need to cross a road to get to their destination and can be difficult to notice.
Species commonly found on area roadways during this period are spotted salamanders, wood frogs, blue-spotted salamanders, Jefferson salamanders, American toads, spring peepers, four-toed salamanders, northern leopard frogs, and eastern red-backed salamanders.
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Experts say with little snowfall this winter, migrations should be expected in milder, low elevation parts of Massachusetts on warm, rainy nights.
MassWildlife advises people to drive cautiously and carefully, especially on small wooded roads where amphibians are most likely to appear. The department also says if you want to help amphibians cross the road or are handling them in any way, make sure your hands do not have lotions, oils, bug repellents, or other chemicals on them.
Other tips can be found here.
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