Homewood Residents Spot Rare Salamanders After Heavy Rainfall

Local conservation group and university scientists work together to protect amphibian breeding grounds.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Dozens of Spotted and Webster salamanders were spotted in Homewood, Alabama on a rainy Thursday night, thanks to a partnership between local conservation group Friends of Shades Creek, scientists from UAB and Samford University, and the City of Homewood. The road where the salamanders cross is blocked off on nights with ideal conditions - rain and temperatures above 50 degrees - to allow the amphibians to safely access their breeding ponds.

Why it matters

Salamanders are important indicator species that reflect the overall health of an ecosystem. Protecting their breeding habitats is crucial for maintaining biodiversity in the local Homewood community. This collaborative effort showcases how citizens, scientists, and local government can work together to safeguard vulnerable wildlife.

The details

According to Samford professor and salamander expert Dr. Kristin Bakkegard, the Spotted salamanders were crossing over to access their breeding ponds, which are important fishless habitats that protect the salamander larvae from predators like bass and bluegill. The road closure allows the salamanders to safely migrate to these crucial breeding grounds.

  • The salamander crossing occurred on a rainy Thursday night with temperatures in the 50s.
  • For over a decade, the road has been blocked off on nights with ideal conditions to protect the salamanders.

The players

Friends of Shades Creek

A local conservation group that has partnered with scientists and the city to protect the salamanders' breeding grounds.

Dr. Kristin Bakkegard

A Samford University professor and salamander expert who provided insights on the amphibians' breeding behavior and habitat needs.

City of Homewood

The local government that collaborates with the conservation group and scientists to temporarily close the road and protect the salamanders' migration.

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What they’re saying

“Tonight's a great night for any amphibian to be out. The Spotted salamanders are crossing over to access their breeding ponds. To most people (breeding ponds) look like roadside ditches, however are actually an important breeding habitat for these salamanders because they don't get fish in it. Spotted salamanders really like fishless ponds. Otherwise fish will prey, especially bass and our bluegill, will prey upon the salamander larvae.”

— Dr. Kristin Bakkegard, Samford University Professor (bhamnow.com)

What’s next

The city and conservation group will continue to monitor the salamander crossings and close the road on rainy nights with ideal temperatures to protect the amphibians' breeding grounds.

The takeaway

This collaborative effort between citizens, scientists, and local government demonstrates how communities can work together to safeguard vulnerable wildlife and maintain the delicate balance of local ecosystems.