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Burlington, Ont.— March 5, 2025— Spring is around the corner and it’s time for the annual migration of a local and beloved endangered species in Burlington. On Wednesday, March 12, the City will close a section of King Road to allow for Jefferson salamanders’ breeding migration. King Road, from North Service Road to Mountain Brow Road, will be closed so the salamanders can 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 Wednesday, April 9, when the salamanders are predicted to finish their annual crossing.
Since 2012, the City of Burlington has partnered with Conservation Halton to protect the Jefferson salamanders by closing this section of road to allow the salamanders to safely cross. They are a nationally and provincially protected endangered species.
About the Jefferson salamander
The Jefferson salamander is found in Southern Ontario in select areas of deciduous forest, mostly along the Niagara Escarpment.
This endangered species spends most of its 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.
Adult salamanders migrate to their breeding ponds during wet rainy nights. 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 present on the sides and limbs.
- Adult Jefferson salamanders are 12 to 20 cm long. The long tail makes up half this length.
- Females tend to be 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
“Jefferson salamanders are not only beloved in Aldershot but all across Burlington. Every year, it’s a welcome sign of spring to close King Road to provide safe passage for “Jeff” and “Sally” in their quest to find a mate. The City truly values this partnership with Conservation Halton, as well as the ongoing support we receive from our residents and businesses. The road closure is essential to ensure Jeff and Sally can cross the road to breed and protect this endangered species; it is incumbent upon us to serve as stewards of the environment which we share. Thank you to all those who help protect Jefferson salamander populations in Burlington.”
Chandra Sharma, President and CEO, Conservation Halton
“Each spring, the Jefferson salamander’s journey reminds us of the importance of conservation and collaboration. Through our longstanding partnership with the City of Burlington, we continue to support the recovery of this remarkable species and maintain a healthy ecosystem in our watershed.”
Links and Resources
Learn more about the Jefferson salamander
Learn more about Conservation Halton
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Communications contact:
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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