SPRING TRIP TO CARTER CAVES, KENTUCKY
I went on a weekend trip to Carter Caves, Kentucky from April 12-15 with 16 members of the Independence (OH) High School Biology Society on their annual Spring Trip.

The adventure started with a nighttime amphibian hunt.

A semi-aquatic Spring Salamander, which spends the majority of its time in springs and wet caves.

A Pickerel Frog - its call sounds like a quiet, long drawn-out snore.

Carter Caves State Resort Park is a scenic place to hike.

The largest serpent we managed to catch was this Northern Water Snake.

Slimy Salamander - this amphibian might be better named if it were called the "Sticky Salamander," because it secretes a glue-like substance from its skin when threatened.

A hole in the ceiling of one of the caves we explored.

This fine looking Eastern Garter Snake was found at the edge of Smokey Valley Lake.

American Toads were calling from the lake.

There were a number of wildflowers in bloom, such as this Wild Blue Phlox.

The smallest snake of the trip was this tiny Ringneck Snake.

The Northern Red Salamander is a large (up to 8 inches) amphibian. This species has a distinctive, bright yellow iris and a stout body.

Cool rock formations in Cascade Cave.

A Cave Cricket hanging upside down while shedding its exoskeleton deep inside Cascade Cave.

A tasty Morel Mushroom.

A larval Red Salamander, they are often found under rocks and logs in and around cold, clean springs and adjacent brooks.