Annual road closing for Newt migration - Advance alert (Berkeley: condo, to live in)

[Tulemutt]

Coming up end of month ...

From Oct. 31 through March 31 of next year, South Park Drive will be closed to all automobile traffic in order to protect the thousands of newts that cross the road every year. According to a statement from the East Bay Regional Park District, bicyclists and pedestrians are still allowed on the road, but are asked to “proceed slowly and avoid newts crossing the road,” and keep dogs away from newts as their skin contains toxins.

A 1989 UC Berkeley study found that South Park Drive cuts across the migration routes of the California newt, and cars cause the death of “thousands of newts” each year. The park district began closing the road more than 20 years ago, after the study’s results led to public pressure.

Newt crossing leads to temporary closure of Tilden Park road

[aewan68]

I have ran over various lizards in South Florida during my time there, by accident and nothing intentional and felt bad especially during mating season they are all over the place, though only a few inches long you can see them and after they get flung up on your fender. Almost hit an Iguana one time, that would have been nasty, was probably 3 feet long. Even Gators are hit my cars often as well. I saved many of Turtle, they are easy to remove from the road, because they just tuck into their shell and you can grab them and take them to the canal and release since that's where they are going.

[JB316]

Saw a newt crossing or two in Washington state as well!

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

I love this. I lived in Davis, CA when there was a freeway overpass built that would impact a local toad and frog population. So, what was done, was the town built a little toad/frog crossing that went under the road, and they built a little toad/frog condo for them to live in. Funny, but also pretty cool.

https://localwiki.org/davis/Toad_Tunnel

[aewan68]

Originally Posted by NoMoreSnowForMe

I love this. I lived in Davis, CA when there was a freeway overpass built that would impact a local toad and frog population. So, what was done, was the town built a little toad/frog crossing that went under the road, and they built a little toad/frog condo for them to live in. Funny, but also pretty cool.

https://localwiki.org/davis/Toad_Tunnel

They have those in South Florida for the Florida Panther, they don't work 100% but help lower road kill.

How Highway Underpasses are Saving Panthers in Florida | Mental Floss

I use to get Geckos and Anoles in my house, would capture them in a dixie cup and put them outside, sometimes though I would find them all dried up under the sofa. I have had Geckos stay on my hand a few times too. Lot's of lizards in South Florida, but I never seen a Salamander only in PA have I seen those along with Hellbenders, those are in the rivers and creeks, big salamanders.

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

I've only ever seen a salamander in the wild in the Olympic national forest in WA. They're very slow-moving creatures. Like the sloth version of the reptile kingdom. Very interesting creatures.

[Ruth4Truth]

I vote we change the OP's name to "Tulenewt".

Should I put up a poll?

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

I vote we change the OP's name to "Tulenewt".

Should I put up a poll?

Lol. No. I’m sticking with the dawgs ...

[marcopolo666]

Newt Gingrich shouldn't get protected status ...

[aewan68]

"Newt" the little girl from Aliens.