February Herping on Pigeon Mountain

Date: February 6th, 2025

Location: Pigeon Mountain, Georgia

Conditions: 59.5°F, misting rain

Species Encountered: 2 Seal Salamanders, 26 Pigeon Mountain Salamanders, 1 Pickerel Frog, 1 Red Salamander, 1 Spring Salamander, 4 Cave Salamanders, countless Red-backed Salamanders

There’s something about starting a herp trip solo, in the pitch black, on a damp winter night that makes the skin crawl just a little more than usual. On February 6th, I set out for Pigeon Mountain in northwest Georgia under just those conditions. The air was a chilly 59.5°F—ideal for salamanders—but the solitude had me feeling like I was the only vertebrate awake

Luckily, the forest didn’t stay silent for long. Within minutes, the ground around me came alive with Plethodon—millions it felt like of Red-backed Salamanders.

Eventually, C joined me—thankfully—and the trip shifted from “paranormal woods experience” to proper herping Our main target was the Pigeon Mountain Salamander (Plethodon petraeus), a narrow-range endemic that never disappoints. That night, it seemed like they were waiting for us. We found 26 individuals, many out cruising the damp rock faces or tucked into narrow crevices.

These guys are always a highlight—obligate rock face dwellers with a hyper-local distribution. What’s most exciting is their boldness. Also on the list were two Seal Salamanders (Desmognathus monticola), found loafing near seepages. Four Cave Salamanders (Eurycea lucifuga) were also active, showing off their vibrant orange-red spotting and long limbs.

A surprise guest was a single Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus), tucked sitting out perfectly on top some leaves.. It took a bit of maneuvering (and a lot of mud) to get a look, but it was worth it.

Even though amphibians took center stage, one lone Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris) made an appearance among the leaf litter. Likely stirred from dormancy by the warm spell.

All in all, this was one of those satisfying nights that checks every box: range-restricted endemics, color variation, high individual counts, and just enough spookiness to keep the adrenaline high. Pigeon Mountain continues to be a powerhouse of diversity and density, especially on warm winter nights when few other herpers are out.

If you're thinking of targeting Plethodon petraeus, the shoulder seasons (especially warm February evenings after rainfall) seem to be prime time. Just be prepared to get muddy, bring a good light, and maybe don’t go alone—unless you enjoy spooky woods and the distant sound of leaves crunching behind you…

Until next time—keep your lights low and your field notes detailed.—Charlie