Image of California Newt

Description:

Noticed year-round, but most prevalent in late winter and spring. During dry conditions enters stream or shelters under objects around spring seepage. When assaulted assumed characteristic warning posture. 18 May 1993: Eggs sighted in slow, flowing stream attached to twig. 25 July 1996: Numerous diseased newts discovered. They manifested symptoms such as swimming in an unnatural spiral fashion and had sickly appearance. This virus, along with reinstated stocking of fish that compete for food and feed on the newt larvae themselves, are jeopardizing this population. The disease is presumed to be some type of fungus brought on by hot summer temperatures.