Salamander Survey

In nature, spring in New England begins long before the first Crocus pokes it's head up. In March, as the days get longer, a unique assemblage of life begins to make their way to Vernal Pools. Among these are a group of amphibians known as the  Mole Salamanders.

These unique and beautiful salamanders are under threat of loss of habitat and, ultimately, extinction, as more and more unplanned development takes place. Laws are on the books to protect them, however, we need to document what habitat they are actually using, so that those places can be protected.

You might find them in your yard, or perhaps under rocks, boards or your woodpile throughout the year. But in March and early April, two of the mole salamanders -- the rare Blue Spotted Salamander and the more common Spotted Salamander -- will be migrating back to the vernal pools where they were born. The rare Marbled Salamanders make their way to the vernal pools in the Fall. They usually travel on rainy nights, along with Wood Frogs and other amphibians which use vernal pools; many cross roads and are run over by passing vehicles. It is possible to identify such "road kill" salamanders if they have not been squished beyond recognition.

Review the salamanders below. If you happen to find one, please call us at 978-392-8885 or 978-392-9876. We will identify your find, and, if you have found one of the rare species, will help in registering it with the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.

The information presented below comes from the Massachusetts Wildlife State Reptile and Amphibian List  and  the USGS Checklist of Amphibians and Guide.

Also see the Massachusetts Audubon Society's excellent article on Salamander Migration!

Westford's Salamanders

Westford is home to nine kinds of salamanders. Three of these are in the Mole Salamander family -- the Spotted Salamander, the Blue Spotted Salamander and the Marbled Salamander.

One of the "Rare" salamanders listed below --- the Blue Spotted Salamander -- is actually quite common in Westford! This is because in most towns, the habitat required by these species has been destroyed and their populations have disappeared. This will happen in Westford also, unless we obey the laws which protect rare and endangered species.

Rare, Protected Salamanders

Blue Spotted Salamander, a species of Special Concern, found breeding in vernal pools in the Spring and burrowing in woodlands throughout the year.
Marbled Salamander, a Threatened species, found breeding in vernal pools in the Fall and burrowing in woodlands throughout the year.
Four-toed Salamander
Spring Salamander

Common Salamanders

Spotted Salamander
Northern Dusky Salamander
Northern Two-Lined Salamander
Red-spotted Newt
Red-backed Salamander