This Rough-skinned Newt surprised Erika and me on 20 January 2022 along the Challis Bike Trail near Olympia. January seemed early to find an amphibian. In fact, they breed from December through July along their western range from California to Alaska. These newts are common west of the Cascades in Washington. They are Washington’s most poisonous newt. They only cause mild skin irritation, but can be deadly if eaten. They have the same neurotoxin as pufferfish. This tetrodotoxin interferes with sodium flow and blocks nerve impulses, and can result in paralysis and asphyxiation.
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