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Burlington, Ont.— March 4, 2026— It’s been a long, snowy winter but the Jefferson Salamander is getting ready to surface for their annual spring migration. On Wednesday, March 11, the City will close a section of King Road to allow for this local and beloved endangered species’ breeding migration. King Road, from North Service Road to Granite Ridge Trail, will be closed until Wednesday, April 8 to allow the ‘Jeffies’ to cross the road safely in their search to find a mate. Local traffic for all properties between North Service Road and the escarpment will be maintained. King Road will reopen for through traffic on Thursday, April 9, when the salamanders are predicted to finish their annual crossing.
The City of Burlington and Conservation Halton have worked together to protect the Jefferson salamanders by closing this section of road to allow the salamanders to safely cross since 2012.
About the Jefferson salamander
The Jefferson salamander is a nationally and provincially protected endangered species. They are found in Southern Ontario in select areas of deciduous forest, mostly along the Niagara Escarpment.
Jefferson salamanders spend most of their life underground. When the weather starts to warm up and spring rain begins, the salamanders surface and migrate to breed in temporary ponds formed by run-off. They lay their eggs in clumps attached to underwater vegetation. Adults leave the ponds after breeding. By late summer, the larvae lose their gills, become air-breathing juveniles and leave the pond to head into nearby forests.
During wet, spring rainy nights, adult salamanders migrate to their breeding ponds. They are drawn to the pond where they hatched and can be very determined to reach it, sometimes crossing busy roads to get back to their birthplace.
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Quick Facts
- The Jefferson salamander is protected at both the provincial and national levels. It was added to Ontario’s endangered species list in 2011.
- Jefferson salamanders have a grey or brown-coloured back, with lighter under-parts. Blue flecks may be seen on the sides and limbs.
- Adult Jefferson salamanders are 12 to 20 cm long. The long tail makes up half this length.
- Females are often larger than males. The males have swollen vents during the breeding season.
- Unlike most small animals, Jefferson salamanders can live a very long time; up to 30 years of age.
Quotes
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“Each year, the return of the Jefferson salamanders is one of Burlington’s most meaningful signs of spring. Closing King Road during their migration is a small but important step we take to protect an endangered species that calls Aldershot home. By working together with Conservation Halton, local businesses and engaged residents, we’re helping ensure these remarkable creatures can safely reach their breeding grounds. Protecting biodiversity starts at the local level, and Burlington is proud to play its part in safeguarding Jefferson salamanders for generations to come.”
Chandra Sharma, President and CEO, Conservation Halton
“The migration of the Jefferson salamander is a powerful reminder of how small actions can make a big difference for endangered species. Through our strong partnership with the City of Burlington, closing King Road during this critical period helps give these salamanders a safer journey and strengthens their chances of survival and long-term recovery. We are proud to work together to protect local biodiversity.”
Links and Resources
Learn more about the Jefferson salamander
Learn more about Conservation Halton
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Communications contacts:
City of Burlington Corporate Communications
communications@burlington.ca
Conservation Halton
Tamanna Kohi, Communications Specialist
tkohi@hrca.on.ca
905-691-2078
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