Happy Earth Day from Black Rock Forest! This eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) was spotted near a vernal pool here in the Forest. The eastern red-back is the most abundant species of salamander in New York. They come in two color phases including the lead-back phase as pictured here, and a traditional red-back phase with red stripe extending along its back from head to tail. These little creatures prefer a closed canopy with an abundance of cover objects at the forest floor making BRF an ideal habitat.
By Aaron Culotta