Wednesday Walk with the wildlife

in Wednesday Walk2 years ago

I ran across these little critters during my morning walks this week. Of course the bright color and slight movement caught my eye against the green grass.

This is the Epxl_20220527_120426692

astern Newt. Known for their bright color and spots. A little research shows they are quite unique little animals. They actually start life in the water with gills, then get lungs and live on land as "red efts" for up to 8 years. Then as an adult, they turn olive green with yellow belies, black spots, and become aquatic again.
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They have the ability to regrow a tail or a leg if they lose it to a predator. Their bright color is to warn predators that their skin is toxic. They are not generally a danger for people to touch, however are quite toxic to people if touching with an open wound or cut on your hand, or to ingest any of the toxin. (ie: don't lick them!) Estimations are that ingesting less than 1/1000th of an ounce of their tetrodotoxin is enough to kill a 170-pound person. Keeps those pets away!

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Who would say an animal of this in a pet store is 60 euros and you need more than 400 in accessories! not this species

I'm sure people do keep them as pets. Not sure how one would tell when it's time for them to go back to the water though.

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That Newt is so colorful

Thanks for joining Wednesday Walk :), I truly enjoy exploring the world virtually each Wednesday seeing walks from all around the globe and feeling I am there and experiencing it all myself, such as I did in your post just now :)

How cute are they… and such a beautiful colour.
Thanks for sharing @ksteem 😁👋🏻

Thanks, even brighter in person. They really stand out, and the spots were almost like 3D.

Wow… I can imagine. Stunning little creatures 😎
You are welcome @ksteem

Haha! I promise no licking. Sheesh. You just went and took all the fun away!

Newts are interesting little creatures and I have to say, I haven't seen one of them since I have been down here in the DC area, even in the wooded/water areas.

Thanks for showing him off! I love cool little facts!

Heheh, I've heard of people licking certain toads and frogs to get a buzz off the toxin. Not licking them was actually mentioned in one of the "educational" links I found. I thought quite humorous as well. At least the puppy didn't notice and try to pick it up.

They actually do! How about being a little crazy, yes?

I am sure they had to put that in because of the less-than-smart people giving it a whirl. I am not sure how they decided it would get you high, but, according to the classes I took in college, it was a science class that had to dissect and analyze fluids.

Amazing the things you learn in school. :))

Anywho! Keep that puppy away from the frogs, especially the Colorado River Frog was the most popular to do, but, a Cane Toad is probably more popular now. Crazy people... and quite inquisitive.

What a cool colored species you captured there!

My first time seeing them. Was quite excited. I remember seeing some kind of salamander once when I was a kid down south. This was way cooler.

A similar creature here is the Lizard, which is small, scaly, has four legs, and a long tail. I'm not sure if this lovely colorful Newt is the same but it's so adorable. :)

They are definitely different than most other types of lizards. We have some of those here too, skinks and such.

I had no idea they were toxic! I haven't seen any salamanders in years.

Me either until I looked them up to see what they were actually called here. Makes them even more cool!

Whoa - now that is toxic! But this little fellow is extra cute, probably has to make up for his cuteness with that toxicity 🤣

Thanks for sharing!!


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