Strange But True

April 2023


Every year Tiger Salamanders migrate to a large pond in a local park - LaBonte Park. Locals have called the pond "Stink Lake" for years for good reason. Volunteers gather to help the amphibians cross busy streets during migration. 

The University of Wyoming Biodiversity Institute states on their web page:

Each spring, volunteers show up at LaBonte Park on potential migration nights to patrol 9th and Canby streets. Salamanders are picked up off the roads as they cross and brought safely to the edge of LaBonte Pond. Volunteers spend however long they’d like helping to protect and conserve this population of salamanders. Are you interested in volunteering to help Laramie’s salamanders safely complete their annual migration? Children 8 years and above are welcome to become a volunteer if accompanied by an adult.

Friday and Saturday were wet days with snow falling almost all day - good migration conditions for the salamanders. 

The Tiger Salamander is Wyoming's state amphibian and is the only native salamander to the state. It is noted for its adaptablility to the state's harsh environment. A large salamander, it is 5.5 to 8 inches long, black and dark green with a mottling of spots, stripes or blotches of yellow or olive.

Most visitors to Laramie are not aware of this Strange But True yearly migration.

Comments

  1. We've got blue skinks here and they are all over the place. You have to watch where you walk because they love to hang out by the front door. I suppose they are sunning themselves but the last thing I want to do is step on one.

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  2. I had NO idea!!! so cool... ( sending to my son in laramie too!!)

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  3. Fascinating (and kind of creepy) all at the same time. I hope they have a good migration.

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  4. Who knew is right! Very cool local migration! You need to get out and get us some pictures!

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  5. There's a city near where I used to live that closes one of the roads so the salamanders can cross safely. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/headlines/burlington-road-closing-for-salamander-crossing-1.3494670

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  6. How interesting! And kind of creepy!

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  7. Who would've thought? I would never have guessed salamanders in Laramie!
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  8. OMG what a fun bit of care. I agree with Betsy -- who knew there were salamanders in Wyoming?? Not me, that's for sure. Do the salamanders cross the road during daylight hours or only at night. I think the University is brilliant to include kids in the crossing patrol -- getting youngsters involved with earth friendly activity early will help keep them interested all life long. You find such fun things to share with us!

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  9. Interesting...sometime we stop to help the box turtles cross the road so they are not hit by cars!

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  10. It's good that the creatures are getting help to cross the road. Where do they go to when they leave the pond?

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  11. I'm another who never would have guessed salamanders in your neck of the country. Fletch would love this - he kept looking for reptiles and amphibians our whole vacation! That is very cool - hope enough make it safely.

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  12. How interesting. I did not know that Wyoming hosted salamanders or had a state amphibian. The species must be very adaptable indeed.

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