Twelve Months of Northern Ohio Herping Highlights 2022 (Part 2)

A backyard Redback Salamander on April 25.

An American Toad found at the pond across the street on April 26.

A melanistic Eastern Garter Snake found in Ottawa County on April 29.

And a Butler's Garter Snake also found in the same county on the same day. This reptile only averages 15-20 inches in total length.

A Columbiana County Northern Slimy Salamander that I found on April 30.

It was a chilly day, but I also managed to turn up the Queen Snake. This snake is semi-aquatic and only eats one thing: crayfish.

And this awesome Mudpuppy. Mudpuppies are large aquatic salamanders. They have gills and spend their entire life underwater.

This juvenile American Bullfrog was hanging out at a nearby pond.

By early May, Spring was in full swing and Trillium was blooming.

A baby Northern Water Snake on May 1. Baby Northern Water Snakes have black bands on a background of pale gray or light brown. As the snakes grow, their pattern fades, becoming obscure.

Many of the "usual suspects" were found, like this Green Frog.

Red-spotted Newt.

The Gray Treefrog lives in moist woodlands and swamps near water. It is very acrobatic and will often jump from branch to branch to catch its insect prey.

Dusky Salamanders like wooded or partially wooded moist habitats with a running source of water. They may go into the water to find cover under rocks if disturbed.

American Toad.

Northern Two-lined Salamander - these amphibians can be rather common and don’t seem to be affected by pollution as much as other types of salamanders.