Highway to Helen

Submitted for the Amphibian Friends badge: a sampler of observed Vermont frogs (and toad). From top left to bottom right: 1) juvenile American Bullfrog, mysteriously discovered in my basement, 2) large American Toad, from my driveway, 3) Northern Leopard Frog, found at the drive-in, 4) Pickerel Frog, from my back yard, 5) Spring Peeper, quarter for scale (d'awwww), and 6) Wood Frog, from a walk in the woods. There are only 11 species of frog and toad in Vermont, so I’m halfway to a full rack!

Amazing reptile finds by scout celestial (including a SNAKE IN THE HOUSE), who has this thrilling information for us:

–Hi! New Egg Helen here! This [first photo] is an Eastern Milksnake hanging out in my kitchen in Vermont. Wild Milksnakes and Garter Snakes live in the walls of my house and sometimes make their way inside. This pic was snapped by my partner, who is not a fan (which explains the low quality). By the time I got home to catch it, it had moved on. To where is anyone’s guess. I have many pics of these snakes over the years (https://goo.gl/photos/htrToEHsb6v1pQcg9), but this is the only one from this year. 

–This is a Wood Turtle [second photo]. It needed to be out of the road. This was my first sighting of this species and, according to the VT Reptile & Amphibian Atlas, a rare location! This is why we report, people!

We’re taking a break from our regular programming.

Skeletor Affirmations (by ghoulnextdoor)