Ezra Mushala 
Salamanders are quiet, slow-moving amphibians that often hide near ponds, under logs, or in damp forests. If you’ve ever seen your dog sniff or nip at one, you might have wondered: could a salamander actually hurt or even kill your dog? No, salamanders won’t kill dogs under normal circumstances. Some species make toxins to protect … Read more
Frogs are amphibians that love wet moist environments. For this reason, they are often attracted to gardens. Even watering your lawn can attract any frogs that may be close by. But do you have to be worried about frogs that are attracted to your garden? In general, frogs are good to have in a garden. … Read more
There are many different species of snakes called ‘water snakes’, among them the common watersnake (Nerodia sipedon) native to North America, and the common grass snake (Natrix natrix) native to Europe and western Asia. Water snakes are characterized by their semi-aquatic lifestyle, and spend a significant time in or near freshwater bodies such as rivers, … Read more
Sea snakes are interesting creatures that live in marine environments for most of their lives. These snakes are excellent swimmers, and dive to hunt underwater – and can stay submerged for long periods. In general, sea snakes can not breathe underwater. However, they can hold their breath for long periods of time. Sea snakes can … Read more
Many people know that most frogs love to hang around in or near freshwater bodies, such as ponds, lakes, or streams. But have you ever wondered why frogs live near water? Frogs live near bodies of freshwater because they need to keep their skin moist. Frogs breathe through their skin, in addition to their lungs, … Read more
Many frogs have a coloration that helps them blend into their environments. Frogs of the same species living in different regions may have variations in fixed color patterns, suited to their specific environments. But can frogs change color? Many frog species are capable of changing color in response to background color, mood, light, and temperature … Read more
Many tree frogs have a coloration that helps them blend into their environments. Tree frogs that spend most of their time among green foliage may have a green coloration, while those that spend most of their time closer to the ground may have a brownish coloration. But do tree frogs change color? Many tree frog … Read more
Frogs are amphibians, meaning they spend part of their lives in the water and part on land. In the spring, frogs head to their breeding sites, and it’s common to see frogs ‘piggybacking’ on other frogs. Frogs ride on each other backs to mate in an embrace called ‘amplexus’. In almost all frog and toad … Read more
When the winter ends and warmer spring temperatures arrive, amphibians emerge from hibernation and migrate to breeding sites to lay their eggs. Most frogs and toads will lay their eggs in the water, but many will lay their eggs on land. Amphibian eggs laid in the water can be difficult to tell apart unless you … Read more
Spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) are small, slender tree frogs found throughout much of the eastern part of North America. Like most frogs, spring peepers reproduce by laying eggs. These eggs are laid in shallow, fish-free freshwater bodies and attached to submerged vegetation near the water’s surface. Unlike most frogs which lay their eggs in masses, … Read more