Amphibians and Reptiles

Animals: May be seen daily, in suitable habitat and season, and counted in relatively large numbers.
Plants: Large number of individuals; wide ecological amplitude or occurring in habitats covering a large portion of the park.

Rough-skinned newts use their bright orange underbellies as well as a poison secreted from their skin to protect themselves. They breed in ponds but usually live in the forest.

Amphibians

Walk through a rain forest valley on a damp spring day and look around at the mossy forest floor, or under the abundant, decaying downed trees. You may spot an amphibian. The ponds, lakes, streams and forests of Olympic National Park provide the ideal habitat for frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders. Some, like the rough-skinned newt, which sports a bright orange belly and bumpy brown skin, are common in the lowlands. Others, like the tailed frog, can live in cold, rushing mountain streams. Olympic is home to one endemic (found only locally) species, the Olympic Torrent Salamander (Rhyacotriton olympicus).

Throughout the world, many amphibian populations are declining. Though research has revealed Olympic seems to have fairly stable populations of most species, western toads could be declining. With life histories that include life in air and water, amphibians are susceptible to pollution from both sources, as well as being vulnerable to predation by introduced non-natives like bull frogs and eastern brook trout.

Reptiles

The cool, maritime climate in Olympic National Park is not ideal for reptiles. Nevertheless, there are some snakes and lizards that have been documented in the park. There are no venomous snakes on the Olympic Peninsula. Off-shore there are several species of sea-turtle that are at home in our ocean waters. Sometimes these turtles strand on the shoreline. If you should find such a turtle please report it via email to e-mail us.