This brightly colored salamander can be locally abundant where
forested habitat remains intact, but quickly declines or
disappears when woodlands are cleared or disturbed by cutting or
invasive species. Moist, closed canopy woodlands are preferred
habitat. They tend to avoid swamp forests subject to flooding,
and are absent in disturbed forests that have been recently
grazed, burned, or harvested for timber. Temporary or semi-
permanent ponds either within or adjacent to the woods are
critical habitat elements. Spotted Salamanders spend most of
their time in burrows underground – up to four feet below the
surface. They are occasionally found under or within rotting
logs, leaf litter, and other moist places. Hibernation occurs on
land, usually near breeding ponds. They have granular glands
that produce secretions which can repel some predators. Most
glands are located behind the eyes and on the tail. Reproduction
and Growth Migration to breeding ponds occurs in late May to
mid-April, and is triggered by thawing