Red-eft (juvenile red-spotted newt)

Description:

Red-spotted newts dwell in small lakes, ponds, and streams or near-by wet forests. They can coexist in an aquatic environment with small, non-carnivorous fish, however, their skin secretes a poisonous substance when the newt is threatened or injured. They have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years in the wild, and may grow to 5 inches in length. The newts are a common aquarium pet, being either collected from the wild or purchased. The strikingly colored (orange) juvenile stage, which is land-dwelling, is often known as the red eft.

Habitat:

Bicentennial trail