Monitoring Amphibian and reptile Migrations in Lake County

Red-legged frog - californiaherps.com

As cooler weather, shorter days, and fall rains arrive, amphibians and reptiles—collectively called “herps”—begin their seasonal migrations. Frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, and turtles move from summer breeding habitats like creeks, ponds, and lakes to safe overwintering sites on land. Many species show remarkable loyalty to their winter homes, returning year after year—sometimes even to the very same shrub or log!

To survive the cold months, amphibians and reptiles dig into soil and forest duff (layers of fallen leaves and needles) where they remain in a dormant state known as brumation. In the spring, they emerge and make their way back to aquatic breeding sites.

This journey often requires crossing roads and trails, putting them at risk from cars, bikes, and hikers. Because many herps use the same migration routes every year, they face repeated threats in the same places.

About Herptile Migration

Twice-a-Year Travelers: Most herps migrate twice each year—out to breeding grounds in spring, and back to overwintering sites in fall.

  • Distances Traveled: These animals can move from a few hundred feet to more than a quarter mile from water.

  • Remarkable Site Fidelity: Many return to the exact same overwintering spot year after year. If we know where they cross roads, we know their winter homes are nearby.

Western Pond Turtles

Why it matters

Western Toad - californiaherps.com

Herps play a vital role in healthy ecosystems. Amphibians help control insect populations and serve as important indicators of environmental change, while reptiles contribute to food webs as both predators and prey.

Unfortunately, road mortality is a leading threat to amphibian and reptile populations. By identifying migration routes and crossing points, we can work toward land management and conservation measures that protect these vulnerable species.

CLERC’s Herp monitoring Survey

Pacific Treefrog “Sierran treefrog”- californiaherps.com

To better understand and protect local herp populations, CLERC has launched the Herp Monitoring Survey. By reporting your sightings, you’ll help us:

  • Map migration routes.

  • Identify key road-crossing points.

  • Inform conservation and land management decisions.

This year we’re especially focused on Harrington Flat Road near Boggs Lake Preserve, but sightings from anywhere in Lake County are valuable.

how you can help

Rough Skinned Newt

California Newt - iNaturalist

Be Alert on the Move
Drive, bike, and hike carefully during migration season—especially on damp nights—watching for small, hard-to-see animals.

Lend a Safe Hand
If it’s safe, you can help a herp cross the road:

  • Move them in the direction they’re heading.

  • Keep them close to the ground to prevent falls.

  • Never apply lotion, sanitizer, or sunscreen beforehand—amphibians have porous skin, and these products can harm them.

Spread the Word
Help us raise awareness by telling your neighbors, friends, and family about herp migration season. The more people who know, the more animals we can protect.

  • Share our Herp Migration Survey online.

  • Print and post our Herp Migration Flyer in your neighborhood, at community boards, or local gathering places.

Report Sightings

Did you Know?

Slender Salamander - californiaherps.com

  • “Herp” comes from the Greek word herpeton, meaning “creeping animal.”

  • Amphibians like newts and salamanders breathe partly through their skin, which is why clean, toxin-free handling is so important.

  • Some species, such as the Rough-skinned Newt, contain toxins that protect them from predators—so always handle gently and minimally.

  • Because herps are sensitive to environmental changes, their presence (or absence) tells us a lot about the health of local ecosystems.