Salamanders are studied by herpetologists and those who look for them, along with other amphibian and reptile species, are called herpers. When temperatures begin to rise on warm, sunny days some salamander species will come to the surface from their winter retreats. One species in particular, the Valley & Ridge Salamander, we have noticed is particularly prone to coming to the surface. This one was found on a steep shale rock cliff area high above the Conemuagh River Valley.
It's been a fairly mild winter for the deer herds in our parks. This group of five (one not in photo) we see on a regular basis.
