Road closed for migrating amphibians in Monroe County

DELAWARE WATER GAP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — We all know the saying why did the chicken cross the road, but have you ever wondered why the amphibians cross the road?

A reserve in Pike County is helping them cross safely this early spring.

They are crossing to get to the other side of course, but these rainy warmer temperatures indicate a specific time of season for them to do so.

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is making sure they can do so safely while giving people the opportunity to see for themselves.

Amphibians, like spotted salamanders, were leaving their winter spots and traveling across River Road in Bushkill to begin their breeding season.

They’re in search of what’s called a vernal pool, a wet habitat to lay their eggs and some travel long distances to get there.

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area temporarily closed River Road overnight to give them a few hours to travel safely.

The spotted salamanders and wood frogs are just a few of the species crossing the road that are under threat of habitat.

Sarah Crosby of Bethlehem came to see the migration herself, calling it “night hiking,” and a rare experience to take advantage of this spring.

“It’s just these couple of nights they will go and find these vernal pools, lay their eggs, and go back to being underground so if you want to get a chance to see the species you are kind of having to come out at night, and in the rain so it’s this kind of cool spectacle that happens locally that a lot of us don’t get to see. Push yourself a little out of your comfort zone to experience a world that otherwise a few people see nowadays,” said Crosby.

In a post to Facebook by the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, River Road will be temporarily closed from Hialeah to Park Headquarters until early Thursday morning.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.