Multitude of road-kills recognized. In roadside, rain-pool countless newts seen (est. 50+). Three couples were copulating, and nine bachelor males encompassed one copulating pair (mating ball). The chaos circling the rough skinned female looked like a blob of legs and tails. Characteristic breeding males and rough skinned females examined.
Noticed year-round, but most prevalent in late winter and spring. During dry conditions enters stream or shelters under objects around spring seepage. When assaulted assumed characteristic warning posture. 18 May 1993: Eggs sighted in slow, flowing stream attached to twig. 25 July 1996: Numerous diseased newts discovered. They manifested symptoms such as swimming in an unnatural spiral fashion and had sickly appearance. This virus, along with reinstated stocking of fish that compete for food and feed on the newt larvae themselves, are jeopardizing this population. The disease is presumed to be some type of fungus brought on by hot summer temperatures.
Seven newts found in scattered, rocky pools. In one shaded pool, egg clusters recognized attached to immersed root of tree. Newts located in exposed, sunny pools possessed rough skin.
