Happy Photo Friday from the Calaveras Dam Replacement
Project!
Even though the Replacement Calaveras Dam has reached its
full height, our crews are still busy out there. And whenever our crews are
working, so are our biologists. They are always on the lookout for critters who might
have wandered onto the site.
Our intrepid team found this fellow recently climbing the
wall of the dam’s spillway.
This is a California newt. Excellent climbers and
land dwellers, these California natives are active during the day. They dine on
small invertebrates like earthworms, snails, slugs, and crickets. They have few
natural predators because they produce a potent neurotoxin in their skin (the
same as pufferfish). This is dangerous only if you eat them, however (predators take note).
Our biologists think this fellow was traveling to or from a
body of water for breeding. The team placed it out of harm’s way in moist grass
nearby, where he continued on his journey.
Lucky for us they had their camera handy.
Have a great weekend, and see you around the Valley!
No comments:
Post a Comment