Hidden Wildlife of Streams and Forest Edges
Whiskeytown’s perennial creeks and shaded forests provide ideal habitats for a wide variety of amphibians. The park is home to:
- Six species of frogs and toads
- Five species of salamanders
- One species of newt
Among these, some species are of particular interest:
- Foothill Yellow-Legged Frogs and Tailed Frogs are federal species of concern due to their sensitive status.
- The Bullfrog, however, is a highly destructive non-native invader that poses a threat to local ecosystems.
Explore the Amphibians of Whiskeytown
Visitors have the opportunity to encounter many of these fascinating creatures while exploring the park’s natural areas. Keep an eye out for these amphibians as you traverse the shaded trails and creekside habitats, but be sure to observe respectfully and avoid disturbing their fragile environments.
Frogs and Toads
- Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei)
- Western Toad (Bufo boreas)
- Pacific Chorus Frog (Hyla regilla)
- Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog (Rana boylii) – Federal Species of Concern
- Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) – Non-native Invasive Species
- Western Spadefoot (Scaphiopus hammondii)
Salamanders and Newts
- Long-Toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum)
- Pacific Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus)
- Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus)
- Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii)
- Oregon Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis)
- Rough-Skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa)
