This Red=spotted Newt made quite a journey to get to this point. Found at the Blacklick Valley Natural Area it was a steep climb of nearly 400 foot vertical elevation from the valley below to get to this point at the top of the ridge. This newt will stay here for a few years before returning to the water to live out the rest of its adult life.
Heavy rains on this early evening brought this snapping turtle out at Blue Spruce Park. Mid to late May is usually when snapping turtles in this area make their migration to lay eggs. On land snappers are very aggressive and should not be messed with. They have powerful jaws and are quick to lunge at any threat!
If you make a trip to Indiana County's Hemlock Lake you can also make a short side trip to Cloe Lake, located just outside of Punxsutawney. The lake is also owned by the PA Fish & Boat Commission. Electric motors are permitted on boats. This lake is stocked with trout while Hemlock Lake is a warm watery fishery and does not receive trout stockings.
