MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – As Marquette is experiencing a late winter with more on the way, the annual Blue-Spotted Salamander Migration Project down Peter White Drive has seemingly been delayed.
However, NMU Biology Department Head, Jill Leonard says working around this unique challenge provides a new angle in the ongoing study.
“Since this project started in 2021, this is by far the most snow we’ve seen,” said Leonard. “For the study, it’s just great new data. For the work that I do, I want to know how they deal with different environmental variables.”
Ultimately, the migration timeline depends on how accessible their breeding grounds are.
“It’s possible that they’ll move even if the pond isn’t thawed yet, but they can’t get into it, so they have to wait,” said Leonard.
When the salamanders are eventually seen, the community will be able to gather data this year to share with the university, by using rulers provided at the site to measure the animals. Information about this new study can be found here.
Although it’s not certain yet, salamander movement is anticipated by around April 8, typically a peak time for the migration to begin.
