North Shore Reptiles and Amphibians

Look under a leaf. Dig around the ground. There are critters everywhere, with some of the most interesting life stories you’ve ever heard.

A Selection of North Shore REptiles & Amphibians

Eastern red-backed salamander

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What North Shore resident has no lungs, must stay wet but never swims, and woos a mate by dropping goo from their chin?

The Eastern red-backed salamander is a reptile that is only found in Minnesota in the northeastern counties. It is considered a Species of Greatest Conservation Need. It's only 2-4 inches long, and lives in the leaf litter of the North Shore's maple forests. They come out after a rain to feed on insects, larvae, centipedes and ants.

Eastern red-backed salamanders need to watch out for Blue Jays and American Crows, their main predators. Like many other reptiles and amphibians, this salamander can drop part of their tail off if under attack.

Howard, C. 2003. "Plethodon cinereus", Animal Diversity Web. Accessed September 25, 2009 .

Checklist of North Shore mammals

From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Toads and Frogs

Listed in the order they are heard as spring and summer progress

Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)
Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata)
Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)
American Toad (Bufo americanus)
Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor)
Mink Frog (Rana septentrionalis)
Green Frog (Rana clamitans)

Salamanders

Blue-Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale)
Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)
Redback Salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)

Turtles

Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
Snapping Turtle (Cheldyra serpentina)

Snakes

Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
Redbelly Snake (Soreria occipitomaculata)
Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus)