Dragons Underfoot
California Newts are very active during their breeding season. At times the entire forest floor is alive with newts crawling in every direction. Large and small, they seem always to be on the move. Therefore I was surprised to find this specimen, seemingly motionless, at the foot of a burned out tree stump. I realized immediately that it was stalking "something". So intent on its quarry, which I could not see, that I had time to set up my tripod and take a series of photos. When the photos were developed, I visited the USGS Amphibians website to see if I could find information to identify the kind of newt it was. Unfortunately, they had nothing on this particular specie posted. So I contacted them, telling them about the photo. In return, they asked for a copy along with the particulars of where it had been taken.

If you find a Cal Newt in the forest, have the good sense to leave it alone. They are sensitive, fragile creatures and deserve to live undisturbed. They are also toxic.

The Cal Newt section on the USGS Amphibians & Reptiles website strongly advises against touching these creatures. Their bright yellow underbelly markings indicate to other animals that they are toxic. If you do pick one up, for example to remove it from the road, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. And never hold them tightly as you might injure them.