On today’s edition of #RBWinterWildlifeWednesday, we take a look at one of the most unique amphibians found in R. B. Winter State Park - the Eastern Long-tailed Salamander!
Known for their colorful, slender bodies and exceptionally long tails, Eastern Long-tailed Salamanders are a native Pennsylvania species found not only in R. B. Winter State Park but throughout much of the Appalachian Mountains. They typically grow to be approximately 8 inches long, with their tails accounting for nearly two-thirds of their length. The coloring of Eastern Long-tailed Salamanders can range from bright yellow to various shades of oranges and reds, with a series of black dots and dashes running down the length of their back and tail.
Eastern Long-tailed Salamanders are found in streams, springs, caves, and ponds, or nearby under rocks, fallen trees, and other natural or artificial debris near water. On rainy nights, they can often be found on roadways that are along streams, lakeshores, vernal pools, or other bodies of water. You’ll often find them around bridges over streams or near where culverts or drainpipes are running under roads. During these periods of rain, they can often be found on the forest floor, using the wet weather to migrate or to hunt for various insects and other invertebrates.
Fun fact: Eastern Long-tailed Salamanders can detach their tails to escape from predators, a process known as autotomy! Their tails will eventually regrow, although they may be shorter or differently shaped.
As the remnants of Hurricane Debby move through the mountains of Central Pennsylvania this week, keep an eye out for these colorful salamanders, as well as other species of amphibians, as they move around the environment in the rain!
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