Newts on the Loose!

The newt population in this area has skyrocketed in recent years.

Close-up of newt egg cluster.

They lay their eggs in clusters attached to underwater stems.

Newt!

This poor little guy somehow wandered away from the safety of the pond or creek where he usually lives and ended up near the front door step. When I picked him up to move him away from the obvious danger of being in that particular spot (Squish!), he was so cold he didn't even blink an eye. I cradled him in my warm hands until he started fussing. When I put him down, he wasted no time in running off to a more hospitable environment.