Sightings

Foxboro resident and local herpetologist, Brian Cassie, has been researching wildlife population trends for fifty years.  Mr. Cassie dedicated 2023 to herptiles – and joined the Conservation Commission at its December 7^th meeting to share his data.  Massachusetts is home to about 50 species of reptiles and amphibians.  From March to November, over the course of 33 visits, Mr. Cassie observed 22 species along Moose Hill Street.  He called it the most species-diverse place he’s seen in Massachusetts in 2023.  The top three most populous species were the Spring Peeper, Gray Treefrog, and Eastern New/Red Eft sighted 714, 591, and 489 times respectively. Mr. Cassie made note that 200 of the specimens found were roadkill victims.  

Recounting the first spotted salamander migration he observed on Moose Hill Street 35 years ago; Mr. Cassie described how the town would close off the road while people gathered to witness the annual life-cycle event.  He walked a similar path marking his data set this year, starting at the Audubon sanctuary and continuing on to the power lines.  In total, he saw five types of salamanders in 2023, including one globally rare, Blue-spotted Salamander: Ambystoma laterale.

The Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan maintains a list of 570 Species of Greatest Conservation Need, some of which, including the Eastern Box Turtle and Marbled Salamanders have been observed in Sharon.  Mr. Cassie works alongside and compares notes with naturalists throughout Massachusetts.  The Town of Sharon plays an important role in the region’s biodiversity.  Mr. Cassie, praised the Conservation Commission, thanking members for their work.  He called Sharon a great example for surrounding towns.  Photos below, courtesy of Wikipedia.

Marbled Salamander

Spring Peeper

Eastern Ribbon Snake

Herpetile Report for 2023

Moose Hill Street   |   Sharon, MA