Eleven Months of Northern Ohio Herps in 2022 (Part 5)

This Eastern Garter Snake that I found on July 26 was going through a shed cycle.

A young American Bullfrog that I found on August 3. The easiest way to identify bullfrogs is by the male’s familiar “jug-o-rum” call. The deep, loud call can be heard from up to a quarter of a mile away.

An American Toad that I found hopping around in the woods on August 5.

A backyard Redback Salamander on September 7. Woodland salamanders with short legs, Redbacks are part of a large group known as “lungless salamanders.” Breathing is accomplished by absorbing oxygen through the skin and mouth lining.

And a Northern Two-lined Salamander on September 13. Adults live on land and can be found under rocks, logs and leaf litter at the water’s edge.

A slightly-more-colorful-than-usual DeKay's Brown Snake on September 16.

A Green Frog found in the woods across the street on September 17.

And a Redback Salamander on September 18. Unlike most amphibians, Redback Salamanders are completely independent of water. There is no tadpole or larva stage.

A backyard Green Frog that I found on October 11.

And a Redback Salamander too. These are small, slender creatures usually less than 4 inches in total length.

This Northern Two-lined Salamander was found on the same day as well.

This "leadback" version of a redback Salamander was found on October 17.

A young American Bullfrog that I found on the first day of November.

On November 7 I saw a few turtles basking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Red-ear Slider.

Midland Painted Turtle. The Painted Turtle is also the most widespread turtle of North America. They range from coast to coast (though not continuously).

Yellowbelly Slider (non-native).

My last herp of the year was this backyard Northern Two-lined Salamander found on December 5. It was a great year for finding cool creatures in Ohio!