Salamanders May Be On The Move Tonight

Attention all salamander hunters!

The Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission announced on its web site that Beekman Road would be closed tonight to allow for the salamander migration.

With a weather forecast of soaking rain with temperatures in the 40s, the conditions are great for salamander watchers.

Every year, the East Brunswick Environmental Commission and the Friends of East Brunswick Environmental Commission, working with the police department, closes Beekman Road at Church Lane for a few weeks in the spring so that hundreds of spotted salamanders can cross from nesting grounds to nearby vernal pools to breed. After spending a few weeks there, the adults return to their home across the street. The mild winter has meant that the migration season could be earlier than expected.

If you do go out for some salamander watching, there are a few safety precautions everyone should take. Church Lane is very dark and cars move fast. Use extreme caution when parking and crossing the road. Everyone should have a flashlight, especially if they are walking along Church Lane. But, flashlights make it easier to see salamanders and peepers in the dark. Also, an umbrella is always a good idea.

Tonight’s forecast also calls for a chance of thunderstorms. If you are out and it begins to lightning, or conditions seem unsafe, the Friends ask that you leave the road immediately.

For more on the salamander migration, visit the Friends site HERE.