It’s a Black-Chinned Red Salamander (Pseudotriton ruber). This one was spotted crossing the road. They migrate this time of year after warm rains to mate. So be careful on park roads, especially at night because there are sometimes mass migrations of these fellows.

So now you have the answer to the age old question: Why do salamanders cross the road?

Photos and salamander info by Ann Froschauer.

And if this guy doesn’t seem tough enough already, Ann says if you look real close you can see black borders highlighting lighter-colored lines that run from its eyes to its nose. She says these are used like “gun sights.”

And here are some beautiful asters.