This past weekend I accompanied 18 high school students to south-central Ohio to explore some of the state’s natural wonders. We found a creek and Adam, Pat, Jen and Claire decided to turn a few logs in the area.

Our efforts paid off when we found this strikingly bright red amphibian with scattered black dots.

Jen thought is was an awesome find, and I agreed.

The habitat for this colorful creature is under rocks and logs in and around cold, clean springs and adjacent brooks.

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

Older examples of this salamander, like this one I found a few years ago, are less brightly colored and often somewhat purplish.

Third Eye Herp
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