MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – It’s that time of year again in Marquette, where Blue-Spotted Salamanders make their annual treks from the upland forests of Presque Isle park down to their spawning ponds.
The Superior Watershed Partnership, co-organizers of the annual migration project, says with the recent melting conditions it’s no surprise they’re on the move, following uncertainty from heavy snow just a few weeks back.
“They’re crossing at night, going at their own pace,” said SWP Special Projects Coordinator, Kathleen Henry. “Over the years, we’ve had them move as early as mid-March and as late as mid-May.”
Across the weekend, people showed up in droves to get eyes on the local amphibians. While the growing popularity of the project is a great benefit to its citizen science opportunities, visitors are asked to utilize special attention and care, especially when taking pictures and shining bright lights.
The study has found these elements to be distracting and confusing to the salamanders, enough to even turn them around.
“SWP is trying to bring attention to this being a really exciting time, but also a reminder that it is a sensitive time, these salamanders are crossing the road to reproduce.” said Henry.
While flashlights are a concern for the road-crossing process, as a precaution they are still required to view the salamanders. The Superior Watershed Partnership says with how strong this project has become, they hope its influence can lead to similar projects in the future.
“In your own communities especially during spring, there are a lot of species on the move, and something as small as closing a road can make a big impact,” said Henry.
For those looking to see the salamanders without leaving the house, click here to view the SWP’s online livestream.
