I was digging horseradish roots out of the compost area when I uncovered a little spotted salamander.
They seem out of place here. I would expect them in much wetter areas, but I come across them frequently so I guess they like the garden surroundings.
Judy was cleaning up our leek harvest nearby so I put the salamander in the wheelbarrow she was using while I fetched the camera. I took the picture and returned the little creature back to where I had found it. Then I went back to work on the horseradish.
I’ve found them in my rather dry yard, too. Quite a shock the first time, as I’d never seen one before. I’ve also found them in my garage all shriveled up from the salt on the floor – poor things!