Eleven Months of Northern Ohio Herps in 2022 (Part 4)

A young Spotted Salamander that has yet to get its spots that I found on July 17.

On July 20 I took this photo of this Green Frog that took up residence in my outdoor Box Turtle pen.

An Eastern Box Turtle seen crossing the road near Youngstown on the morning of July 24.

This Eastern Garter Snake that I found on July 26 was going through a shed cycle.

A young American Bullfrog that I found on August 3. The easiest way to identify bullfrogs is by the male’s familiar “jug-o-rum” call. The deep, loud call can be heard from up to a quarter of a mile away.

An American Toad that I found hopping around in the woods on August 5.

A backyard Redback Salamander on September 7. Woodland salamanders with short legs, Redbacks are part of a large group known as “lungless salamanders.” Breathing is accomplished by absorbing oxygen through the skin and mouth lining.

And a Northern Two-lined Salamander on September 13. Adults live on land and can be found under rocks, logs and leaf litter at the water’s edge.

A slightly-more-colorful-than-usual DeKay's Brown Snake on September 16.

A Green Frog found in the woods across the street on September 17.

And a Redback Salamander on September 18. Unlike most amphibians, Redback Salamanders are completely independent of water. There is no tadpole or larva stage.

A backyard Green Frog that I found on October 11.

And a Redback Salamander too. These are small, slender creatures usually less than 4 inches in total length.

This Northern Two-lined Salamander was found on the same day as well.

This "leadback" version of a redback Salamander was found on October 17.

A young American Bullfrog that I found on the first day of November.

On November 7 I saw a few turtles basking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Red-ear Slider.

Midland Painted Turtle. The Painted Turtle is also the most widespread turtle of North America. They range from coast to coast (though not continuously).

Yellowbelly Slider (non-native).

My last herp of the year was this backyard Northern Two-lined Salamander found on December 5. It was a great year for finding cool creatures in Ohio!