Rough-skinned newts are plentiful in the pond.

Rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa)

• Can be yellow or tan, but usually dark brown or black
• Underside is yellow, orange or red
• Dry, granular skin
• Rough-skinned Newt will display bright colored underside when threatened
• They are Washington state’s most poisonous newt
• Toxins can cause mild skin irritation, but can cause severe symptoms if ingested, including paralysis and/or death
• The iris in their eyes are yellow or silver
• Prefer slow moving, quiet water but can be found on land away from water under logs or rocks
• Found in grassland, woodlands and forests
• Breeding season is December through July
• Lays one egg at a time attached to underwater debris
• Sometimes migrate long distances to breeding ponds

The Common Gartersnake is the only animal known to be capable of harboring resistance to tetrodotoxin (TTX), a potent neurotoxin produced by the rough skinned newt and Japanese pufferfish.