August marks the beginning of salamander migrations. Salamander larvae are metamorphosing into adults and leaving their natal ponds. Naturally heading in the general direction of the uplands, they may move toward homes and can easily fall into window wells. Once in, salamanders can’t get back out since they can’t jump.

DNR biologist Stacy Rowe and her family recently found over 100 young tiger salamanders in the window wells of their house!

If you live near a pond, this is a good time to start checking your window wells daily, especially after rain events. Give the salamanders a hand and take those critters to a safer place away from the building.

Alternatively, you could place a short board (e.g., non-treated wood, 1” x 4”) in the window well to create a ramp for the salamanders to exit on their own. Plastic window well coverings may help to some degree, but there are often gaps between the plastic and the house that these little guys can still get through.

Learn more about salamanders in Wisconsin:https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/herps.asp…