Ezra Mushala

You’re standing by a quiet forest pond in early spring. The water is still, showing soft green from the trees around it. Tiny ripples spread as newts glide silently beneath, looking for mates. You might wonder: after all that effort, do newts die once mating is over? Newts don’t die after mating. Unlike some insects … Read more

You’re crouched by a quiet forest pond and notice a small newt moving slowly across the damp soil, stopping every now and then. You might wonder: does it drink from the pond? Do newts even drink water? Newts don’t drink water the way we do. They get most of the moisture they need straight through … Read more

You’re wandering through a damp forest after a gentle rain when you see a newt moving slowly across the leaf litter. It pauses, then slips into a shallow spot in the soil. You stop and wonder: did it just dig its own hiding place? Yes, newts can dig, but not like moles or other animals … Read more

You’re watching a newt glide through the water, and you might wonder, if it stays too long underwater, can it actually drown? Yes, newts can drown, even though they are great swimmers. Their skin helps them take in oxygen, and they can use lungs or gills depending on their stage of life. But if the … Read more

You’re watching a newt on a damp evening, and you notice it at the base of a mossy wall. You might wonder, can it actually climb up? Can Newts Climb Vertically? Newts can climb short vertical surfaces if they’re rough, damp, and textured. They can’t climb smooth or tall walls. Their bodies don’t have sticky … Read more

You’re walking along a damp forest path after a spring rain and spot a newt slowly crawling over a fallen branch. For a moment, you wonder, if it can get over this log, could it keep going higher? Can newts climb trees? Newts aren’t natural tree climbers, but some can crawl short distances up rough … Read more

Have you ever seen a newt resting under a log, or gliding through a pond, and wondered if it was guarding that spot? Some animals are fiercely territorial, chasing away anything that comes too close. But what about newts, are they territorial? Newts aren’t strongly territorial, but they can act a little territorial in certain … Read more

If you’ve ever picked up a newt, you’ve probably noticed their skin feels different from most animals. It’s smooth, wet, and sometimes a little sticky. But why does it feel that way? Do newts really have sticky skin? Newts don’t have glue-like skin, but their skin is covered in a slimy mucus that can feel … Read more

Have you ever watched a newt slowly moving through a pond and wondered what it’s thinking? They look quiet and simple, but newts actually do some clever things. So, the big question is: are newts smart? Newts are not “smart” like mammals, but they have very effective survival skills and can learn from their environment. … Read more

Have you ever spotted a small, smooth newt slipping through a pond or hiding under leaves? You might have wondered: can I pick it up safely? Newts can be touched carefully, but it’s not always safe for them or for you. Their skin is delicate and covered in a protective layer of mucus. Oils, soap, … Read more