Although the species is common, its presence often goes unnoticed without special effort or chance encounters. It is the earliest species to begin breeding each year (in some places as early as autumn, but typically in February in our area) and will utilize breeding habitats ranging from small temporary pools to permanent ponds, edges of lakes, and slow-moving streams. Long-toed Salamanders can be found in suitable habitats throughout Washington State, except at high elevations. Populations of this species also thrive in some agricultural areas. It occurs from southeastern coastal Alaska to northern California, and as far inland as western Montana and is found in habitats as varied as coastal rain forests, alpine meadows, dry grasslands, and sagebrush steppe. Long-toed Salamander, juvenile (Photo by Sara Brooke Benjamin, City of Bellingham)īackground: This inconspicuous salamander is one of the most versatile and successful amphibian species in the Pacific Northwest (sharing that distinction with the Pacific Chorus Frog).
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