A Surprising New York Animal Hatches from These 'Snot Balls'

Nature is wonderful... and weird. Recently, researchers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) showed Hudson Valley, NY residents exactly how weird.

There are plenty of fascinating plants and animals living in our state. From New York's four carnivorous plants to the spiky rodent that likes to build tree nests and eat cars (really), there's a surprise around every corner. But back to those snot balls...

Researchers with the NYSDEC show eggs masses they described as looking like "balls of snot" that they found in a vernal pool in the Hudson Valley, NY (NYSDEC)

NYSDEC Researchers Explore Vernal Pools in the Hudson Valley

The NYSDEC recently went live on Facebook to show New Yorkers some of the amazing things found in the Hudson Valley's vernal pools. Unlike Hudson River estuaries, which can host tens of thousands of migrating eels and hold water year-round, vernal pools are unique in their seasonality.

Researchers with the NYSDEC recently broadcasted live from a vernal pool in the Hudson Valley, NY to share what they found living in the water (NYSDEC)

About New York State's Vernal Pools

Vernal means "spring", and that's exactly when these pools are at their height. Thanks to snowmelt and other water runoff, these mini habitats found in New York forests often last only as long as the season. Before the water disappears, however, the pools are home to some interesting creatures.

These wood frog eggs, found in a vernal pool in the woods of the Hudson Valley, NY, don't have a protective layer surrounding them (NYSDEC)

Eggs Found in New York's Vernal Pools

Vernal pools are the perfect place for many different species of amphibians to lay their eggs. First, NYSDEC researches shared a large mass of wood frog eggs (above). Their lack of "protective jelly" helps distinguish them from another type, which were gleefully described as a "big snot ball" (below).

These egg masses, described by NYSDEC researchers as "snot balls" belong to New York salamanders (NYSDEC)

What Animal Hatches from These "Snot Ball" Eggs?

The "snot ball" egg mass belongs to none other than one of New York's favorite amphibians: the salamander, with the out layer of "snot" acting as a protective barrier between the eggs and potential predators like newts (below). Both tree frog and salamander eggs need to be submerged in water, which is why these vernal pools are such an important part of New York's ecosystem.

Other amphibians, like these eastern newts, would love to snack on the salamander eggs laid in New York's vernal pools (NYSDEC)

Hudson Valley, NY Wildlife

Local residents more interested in cute furry mammals than slimy amphibian eggs don't have to look too far. While they may not inhabit vernal pools, local beavers (New York's largest rodent) are like Disney creatures that came to life. Check out the Orange County, NY family frolicking in a nearby pond below.

Frolicking Beaver Family Swims in the Hudson Valley

Mom, dad, and two adorable baby beavers took some family time out on a Orange County, NY lake

Gallery Credit: Jonah

Bear on Campus at SUNY New Paltz NY

On Thursday (June 23, 2022) this unassuming good-size black bear wandered onto campus and decided to climb a tree. The SUNY New Paltz Police along with the NYS DEC Police monitored the situation on-site. They were able to encourage the campus visitor to return home without incident.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn