Thursday night’s rain and temps in the 50s brought out dozens of salamanders in Homewood.

We were there to capture the moment!

According to Samford professor and salamander expert Dr. Kristin Bakkegard, last night was a perfect night to see Spotted salamanders and Webster salamanders at a location near Lakeshore Parkway and Homewood High School.

“Tonight’s a great night for any amphibian to be out. The Spotted salamanders are crossing over to access their breeding ponds. To most people (breeding ponds) look like roadside ditches, however are actually an important breeding habitat for these salamanders because they don’t get fish in it. Spotted salamanders really like fishless ponds. Otherwise fish will prey, especially bass and our bluegill, will prey upon the salamander larvae.”
Dr. Kristin Bakkegard

Thanks to a decade-long partnership between Friends of Shades Creek, scientists from UAB and Samford and the City of Homewood the road off Lakeshore Parkway, where the salamanders cross is blocked off on nights when the conditions are ripe — rain and 50+ degrees.

Want to learn how you can protect your salamanders? Connect with the Friends of Shades Creek today.

Below are videos and pictures from the salamander crossing: