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The California Newt, Taricha torosa, belongs to the salamander group of amphibians. These colorful creatures are endemic to California, meaning they only live in the Golden State.
They are commonly found along the coast across oak forest, chaparral, and grassland habitats. Although they begin their life underwater, on hot summer days you can find them hiding in rock crevices and logs.
Beware…Do not be fooled by their bright colors and adorable faces. The glands on their skin secrete a neurotoxin that is deadly to most vertebrates, including humans. Although safe to touch if you wash your hands, we do not recommend doing so on the trail. Improper and rough handling can easily result in small tears of their skin that may cause infections.
When threatened, they do give a friendly reminder to predators to stay away by arching their slender body, raising their head, and pointing their tail up. However, there is one animal that is immune to this newt’s poison, the Common Gartner snake, who is also a resident of Pleasanton.
To answer the question “Why did the newt cross the road?” Right around November up until December our newt friends migrate to streams and ponds in order to breed. To get to their destination many of these newts may have to cross roads. Between the months of December and early May, they breed in streams, ponds, lakes, and creeks.
For more information on the California Newt, visit us at the Alviso Adobe Community Park and talk with one of our naturalists.
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How to Help:
- Pollution threatens newt habitat. To help lower the damages, do not litter and consider picking up any trash that you see.
- If you know the areas where these newts cross, watch out!
Newt Stats:
- Range: CA coast
- Lifespan: Up to 20 years
- Diet: Insects, slugs, worms, and snails
- Size: 4 to 8 inches
- Reproduction: Lay eggs on blades of grass and rocky crevices in water
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Never seen a
California Newt?
Here are a couple of places where you can see them in Pleasanton (often seen in small ponds and creeks):
- Pleasanton Ridge – Turtle pond
- Sunol Regional Wilderness
- Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
Join us at our upcoming Newt Hike February 3rd from 10:30am-12:30pm. Register at pleasantonfun.com
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The City of Pleasanton’s Trails Master Plan is underway and we want to know what you think!
How to get involved:
- Attend the Community Engagement meeting Thursday, January 18th at 6:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building (301 Main Street, Pleasanton)
- Take the online survey at PleasantonTrails.com
- Hike a trail with us – sign up at PleasantonTrails.com
- Identify your favorite trail or show us a new trail connection you’d like on the interactive map found at PleasantonTrails.com
- Email or call us directly: Matt Gruber mgruber@cityofpleasantonca.gov (P) 925.931.5672
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Upcoming Programs and Events
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Tule Boat Making - NEW!
What floats your boat? The native Ohlone people used tule grass! Come and learn about the magnificent culture of the Ohlone and make a small tule boat of your own!
Ages 6 & up
Saturday, January 20
11:00am- 1:00pm
$8R/$11N
Registration Code: 4583
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Follow the Yellow(ish) Bellied Newts
Skip on up to Augustin Bernal to search for newts during their annual migration. Learn a plethora of fun facts about newts and observe them up close! Hike rain or shine.
Ages 5 & up
Saturday, February 3
10:30am-12:30pm
$6R/$9N
Registration Code: 6178
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Coffee with the Birds - NEW!
Come learn how to recognize different bird species as we go on a hike! Bring your own mug, we will provide the coffee! Located throughout parks in Pleasanton, location will be emailed one week prior to event. We will loan the binoculars.
Event will take place every 2nd Sunday of each month from February – May.
All ages welcome
Saturday, February 11
9:00am-11:00am
$5R/$8N
Registration Code: 6262
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Date Night
It’s February and love is in the air! Take some time for yourself and your special someone while your children enjoy an entertaining night of campfire stories, songs, games and crafts! A pizza dinner will be provided.
Ages 5 - 12
Friday, February 16
5:30pm-9:00pm
$25R/$28N
Registration Code: 6236
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Alviso Adobe Community Park
3465 Old Foothill Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Facility Hours:
Wednesday-Sunday
10:00am-4:00pm
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Contact our Staff:
Elena Frink
Naturalist
Martha Cerda
Assistant Naturalist
Jillian Gamache
Marketing/Volunteer Coordinator
Heather Smalley
Advanced Ridge Runners Camp Coordinator
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