Amphibians of Newfoundland and Labrador

This province has seven amphibian species, with most of them found in mainland Labrador. The island of Newfoundland is home to two introduced species, brought there by man.

• Blue-spotted salamander - Labrador
• Northern two-lined salamander - Labrador
• American toad - Labrador, introduced to Newfoundland
• Green frog - introduced to Newfoundland
• Northern leopard frog - Labrador
• Mink frog - Labrador
• Wood frog - Labrador, introduced to Newfoundland

Blue-spotted salamander photo © Bev Wigney @ magickcanoe.com

Creature Feature

Mink Frog Rana septentrionalis

These are the only known frogs that emit a distinct odour. They produce a pungent, musky scent that has been compared to that of the mammal American mink, or rotten onions, when handled. It is thought to be a chemical defense to deter predators.

-olive to brown, dark spots and blotches

-lives in cold vegetated lakes and ponds from Manitoba to the Maritimes, south to Minnesota

-one of the few amphibians with the largest part of their range in Canada

-highly aquatic, and seldom found on land

-call sounds like two sticks being struck together; a large chorus sounds like popcorn popping or distant hammering

-usually found where water lilies are abundant, as they can hunt from the leaves and remain out of reach of fish

-males call while floating on the water

-nocturnal and extremely wary; males spend the night squatting on lily pads far from shore

-require habitat where vegetation is abundant

-tadpoles overwinter in bottom pond mud