MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – As Marquette’s Presque Isle salamander migration is just around the corner, the Superior Watershed Partnership is reminding the community to use proper caution during the process this year.
Beginning Sunday, March 15, Peter White Drive will close from 8 p.m. until 8 a.m. to allow for thousands of Blue-Spotted Salamanders to cross into their spawning habitats.
In its years of popularity, high amounts of foot traffic and human interaction have led to disruptions in some natural migration behaviors. This includes monitored reports of salamanders turning around after exposure to bright lights from flash photography, abandoning their migration attempts.
The SWP says using flashlights to avoid the salamanders is a safe precaution, but to refrain from shining lights directly on them.
Following the start of the spring migration, WZMQ 19 will sit down with the Superior Watershed Partnership to hear more about the annual migration.
