Late spring complicates already-perilous amphibian migration

CONCORD, N.H. -- Northern New England's annual amphibian migration is always perilous, but critters that cross roads to breed are facing an additional challenge this year: a delayed start after the long winter.

Every spring, several species of salamanders and frogs travel to vernal pools -- temporary bodies of water created by melted snow -- to mate and lay eggs, and the resulting offspring need several months to develop and grow legs before the pools dry up in summer. Wildlife officials say the migration is running a week or two behind this year, cutting into that critical development time.

That could affect millions of animals across Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire, said Eric Orff, a wildlife biologist with the National Wildlife Federation.

"With a late spring and climate change predicting hotter, drier summers, we're really in a race against time before these vernal pools dry up, leaving these animals stranded to die," he said.

Mike Marchand, a wildlife biologist with New Hampshire Fish and Game, said the state is home to five species that depend solely on vernal pools: the wood frog and four types of salamanders. All serve key ecosystem roles: Salamanders eat mosquito larvae, and the frogs are an important food source for other animals at all stages of their development, he said.

The critters start moving on rainy nights when temperatures are in the 40s and 50s, and officials are urging residents to do what they can to help the amphibians survive their trek.

"If you can get that gallon of milk on the way home from work and avoid driving when rain is predicted after dark, that's the best thing -- to stay off the road if you can," Orff said. "If you must drive when it's raining at night, slow down. Slow way down, and think 'frog."'

In southwestern New Hampshire, April 20 was what those in the know call "Big Night" -- the season's first significant migration. Nearly 100 volunteers took to the streets, shuttling nearly 3,000 amphibians across the road. Wearing reflective vests and holding flashlights, they scooped up spring peepers, wood frogs and salamanders and carried them in their hands or buckets, then documented each find.