California Newts and When to Catch them Mating!

A little late with these posts but there is still a small window to catch these little guys mating before they head back into the hills!

You don't want to miss this as their mating season is from November to March!

If you haven't seen my girls' video all about the these amazing little creatures you can watch it here!

Now, a little bit about the California newt. It is a species of salamander that is native to the western coast of North America, including the state of California. These amphibians are known for their bright orange skin, which serves as a warning sign to predators that they are poisonous. California newts can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. They are often found near streams or ponds, where they lay their eggs in the spring. During the dry season, California newts will typically burrow underground to stay cool and moist. When the rainy season begins, they emerge from their burrows and start moving towards breeding sites. Breeding season for California newts typically occurs in the winter and early spring, when the first rains of the season begin. Male newts will use pheromones to attract females, and once they find a mate, they will engage in an elaborate courtship dance. Female newts will lay their eggs in the water, and the larvae will hatch and begin their life cycle in the pond or stream. After several months, the larvae will undergo metamorphosis and transform into juvenile newts. If you want to observe California newts mating in ponds around the Bay Area, I would highly suggest checking out Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA. Due to the newt migration, the South Park Drive closes to car traffic from October 31st to March 31st. You can park your car near the closure and walk along the road to the Wildcat Creek in hopes of finding some newts that are making their way to mate. Another great place is the Japanese pool at the Botanical Gardens. It's a very family-friendly area to enjoy the gardens and observe the mating newts after the rain.

There are many ponds and creeks around the bay area where you can find mating newts so make sure to always check them out on your hikes and you may be in for a little surprise!