[hellbender]

I've participated in one of these rescue operations. The amphibians breed in ephemeral vernal pools which lack fish and other predators. That requires them to make their trek at night (again, to avoid predators) in early spring, when the low temperatures make the cold-blooded creatures even more sluggish. Watching them drag themselves laboriously across the pavement, you have to admire their determination. Their strategy worked for millions of years until cars came along. Thousands get slaughtered at some crossing sites.

[written by the largest amphibian on FR]

[Recovering Ex-hippie]

thank you for your excellant post.

[Claud]

Great screenname by the way...I’d guess you’d be the largest amphibian on FR until the Chinese Giant shows up. :)

I used marbled salamanders in my ecology research in college (harmless research—just fed ‘em and weighed ‘em). Loved those little critters. I’ve spent many an afternoon traipsing through the woods of Pennsylvania looking for two-lined and red-backed salamanders.

I’m on board with this project. Salamanders are truly wonderful creatures and among my favorites of all of God’s creation.

[relictele]

What about washing them across the roads with a gentle stream from a hose? They are amphibians after all and a little water certainly wouldn’t bother them - it would beat chasing them down and picking them up.

[Salamander]

May the Great Djinn bless you!.....8:)