Gordon Natural Area

Common Names: Eastern American Toad

Years Noted: 2004; 2007; 2011; 2013; 2016-2025

Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout

Also Noted By: Kendra McMillin; William Ricci; Nur Ritter; Alexandra Hodowanec; Paige Vermeulen; Maribeth Beatty; Ariana Rivellini; Kathryn Krueger; Alex Desjardines; David Kramer; Miranda Davies; Chris Mainardi; camis049

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 130-134).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 73).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

iNaturalist Observations:

301556928 (Observed: 7/14/2025)

217872035 (Observed: 5/24/2024)

217890973 (Observed: 5/24/2024)

214799075 (Observed: 5/9/2024)

206721582 (Observed: 4/10/2024)

206721583 (Observed: 4/10/2024)

187789219 (Observed: 10/10/2023)

176022615 (Observed: 7/31/2023)

176510258 (Observed: 8/3/2023)

185029645 (Observed: 9/25/2023)

79779776 (Observed: 5/22/2021)

174975817 (Observed: 7/25/2023)

174975819 (Observed: 7/25/2023)

172151254 (Observed: 7/6/2023)

170173968(Observed: 6/27/2023)

134205485 (Observed: 9/8/2022)

115395493 (Observed: 4/29/2022)

115394297 (Observed: 4/14/2022)

115393828 (Observed: 4/14/2022)

115391871 (Observed: 4/14/2022)

111225684 (Observed: 4/12/2022)

42664102 (Observed: 5/30/2019)

79587176 (Observed: 5/20/2021)

42664589 (Observed: 10/14/2016)

56973170 (Observed: 8/19/2020)

Common Names: Fowler's Toad

Years Noted: 2007; 2017-2018; 2023

Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout

Also Noted By: Nur Ritter; Paige Vermeulen; Miranda Davies

Notes:

Conservation status: S3/S4 (S3: Vulnerable - Vulnerable in the nation or state due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation/S4 Apparently Secure)

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 134-138).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 76).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

iNaturalist Observations:

193881594 (Observed: 10/12/2023)

179815861 (Observed: 8/22/2023)

Common Names: Gray Tree Frog

Year Noted: 2023-2025

Identified By: Nate N. (iNaturalist)

First Noted By: Kathryn Krueger & David Kramer

Also Noted By: Nur Ritter; Jack Ridenour

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 144-148).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 80).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

iNaturalist Observations:

225159520 (Observed: 6/25/2024)

180649874 (Observed: 8/12/2023)

180649876 (Observed: 8/12/2023)

180649880 (Observed: 8/12/2023)

180649882 (Observed: 8/12/2023)

180649885 (Observed: 8/12/2023)

180649886 (Observed: 8/12/2023)

180649887 (Observed: 8/12/2023)

177387239 (Observed: 8/8/2023)

176483424 (Observed: 8/3/2023)

Common Names: Spring Peeper

Year Noted: 2025

Identified By: Nur Ritter

First Noted By: Wildlife Camera

Notes:

To date, Spring Peepers have only been noted in the GNA from their calls being heard on wildlife camera videos.

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 151-154).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 85).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

Common Names: Northern Dusky Salamander

Years Noted: 2004; 2007; 2023-2024

Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout

Also Noted By: David Kramer

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 75-79).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 52).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

iNaturalist Observations:

208817587 (Observed: 4/15/2024)

208813149 (Observed: 4/17/2024)

206240799 (Observed: 4/8/2024)

206240801 (Observed: 4/8/2024)

177044475 (Observed: 8/6/2023)

192092867 (Observed: 11/17/2023)

Common Names: Northern Two-lined Salamander

Years Noted: 2004; 2007; 2018-2025

Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout

Also Noted By: Paige Vermeulen; Stroud Water Research Center; Ariana Rivellini; Rowan Nygard; Jack Ridenour; Nur Ritter

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 86-88).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 54).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

iNaturalist Observations:

96780305 (Observed: 9/29/2021)

321231408 (Observed: 10/16/2025)

225158738 (Observed: 6/25/2024)

208820568 (Observed: 4/22/2024)

208820566 (Observed: 4/22/2024)

208813152 (Observed: 4/17/2024)

208813150 (Observed: 4/17/2024)

202558236 (Observed: 1/26/2024)

202226558 (Observed: 3/12/2024)

202226561 (Observed: 3/12/2024)

194291160 (Observed: 12/15/2023)

185029658 (Observed: 9/25/2023)

185029659 (Observed: 9/25/2023)

187789218 (Observed: 10/10/2023)

176022618(Observed: 7/31/2023)

183299321 (Observed: 9/8/2023)

183299323 (Observed: 9/8/2023)

185029653 (Observed: 9/25/2023)

192092866 (Observed: 11/17/2023)

192092868 (Observed: 11/17/2023)

192092875 (Observed: 11/17/2023)

174975818 (Observed: 7/25/2023)

163681548 (Observed: 5/25/2023)

123995298 (Observed: 6/29/2022)

37540451 (Observed: 1/12/2020)

Common Names: Long-tailed Salamander

Year Noted: 2023

Identified and First Noted By: David Kramer

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 88-93).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 56).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

Common Names: Four-toed Salamander

Years Noted: 2005; 2007

Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout

Notes:

A state-listed species in Pennsylvania ('Species of special concern'). I

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 96-100).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 58).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

Common Names: Eastern Redback Salamander

Years Noted: 2004-2005; 2007; 2015-2025

Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout

Also Noted By: Nur Ritter; Paige Vermeulen; Maribeth Beatty; Ariana Rivellini; Noah Long; Gerry Hertel; Kendra McMillin; Francis Kane; Kathryn Krueger; Jack Ridenour

Notes:

The Red-backed Salamander is the most commonly encountered amphibian at the Gordon. The species is unusual in being a fully terrestrial species. This species has two color forms: 1) the red-backed morph; and, 2) the lead-backed morph.

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 101-106).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 59).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

iNaturalist Observations:

321648305 (Observed: 10/17/2025)

321418215 (Observed: 10/17/2025)

321415284 (Observed: 10/17/2025)

321413854 (Observed: 10/17/2025)

321413487 (Observed: 10/17/2025)

320910584 (Observed: 10/14/2025)

322040499 (Observed: 10/17/2025)

321236097 (Observed: 10/16/2025)

321234617 (Observed: 10/15/2025)

208820564 (Observed: 4/22/2024)

208817582 (Observed: 4/15/2024)

206798412 (Observed: 4/10/2024)

187789221 (Observed: 10/10/2023)

163681630 (Observed: 5/25/2023)

163682367(Observed: 5/25/2023)

168521627 (Observed: 6/20/2023)

174975813 (Observed: 7/25/2023)

174975814 (Observed: 7/25/2023)

177044473 (Observed: 8/6/2023)

187789222 (Observed: 10/10/2023)

187789224 (Observed: 10/10/2023)

187789228 (Observed: 10/10/2023)

187789229 (Observed: 10/10/2023)

187789231 (Observed: 10/10/2023)

187789232 (Observed: 10/10/2023)

192092863 (Observed: 11/17/2023)

192092877 (Observed: 11/17/2023)

110665069 (Observed: 4/5/2022)

72468670 (Observed: 3/30/2021)

39925031 (Observed: 10/2/2019)

45921211 (Observed: 5/14/2020)

Common Names: Northern Slimy Salamander

Year Noted: 2007

Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 106-108).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 61).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

Common Names: Northern Red Salamander

Years Noted: 2007; 2019

Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout

Also Noted By: Paige Vermeulen

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 121-124).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 64).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

iNaturalist Observations:

334862033 (Observed: 9/10/2019)

Common Names: American Bullfrog

Years Noted: 2007; 2024

Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout

Also Noted By: Wildlife Camera

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 159-164).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 92).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

Common Names: Green Frog

Years Noted: 2007; 2013; 2018-2024

Identified and First Noted By: William Ricci

Also Noted By: Paige Vermeulen; Stroud Water Research Center; Noah Long; Nur Ritter; Kathryn Krueger; Miranda Davies; David Kramer; Wildlife Camera

Notes:

In 2021, the rare 'Blue Mutant' (the axanthic form) was observed in Gordon Run by GNA student intern Noah Long. We spent weeks attempting to get photos of this individual and finally were able too. Because of our obsession with getting photographs, we named the frog 'Moby Turquoise.'

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 164-167).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 94).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

iNaturalist Observations:

183299320 (Observed: 9/8/2023)

183299318 (Observed: 9/8/2023)

174975816 (Observed: 7/25/2023)

172723097 (Observed: 7/13/2023)

91570818 (Observed: 8/17/2021)

88167057 (Observed: 7/22/2021)

84458683 (Observed: 6/25/2021)

Common Names: Pickerel Frog

Year Noted: 2022

Identified and First Noted By: Stroud Water Research Center

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 167-170).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 95).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

Common Names: Wood Frog

Years Noted: 2007-2008; 2016; 2018-2025

Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout

Also Noted By: Nur Ritter; Paige Vermeulen; Maribeth Beatty; Ariana Rivellini; Noah Long; Stroud Water Research Center; David Kramer; Kinsey Cuoco; Jack Ridenour

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 179-183).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 99).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

iNaturalist Observations:

322745983 (Observed: 10/17/2025)

265718567 (Observed: 3/17/2025)

225310890 (Observed: 10/7/2016)

214799073 (Observed: 5/9/2024)

202226548 (Observed: 3/11/2024)

202226550 (Observed: 3/11/2024)

202226551 (Observed: 3/11/2024)

180649878 (Observed: 8/12/2023)

136921194 (Observed: 9/28/2022)

95799297 (Observed: 9/22/2021)

84895390 (Observed: 6/28/2021)

69833700 (Observed: 9/14/2018)

Common Names: Common Snapping Turtle

Years Noted: 2007-2008; 2013; 2018; 2023; 2025

Identified and First Noted By: Bog Turtle Survey

Also Noted By: Wildlife Camera

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 188-195).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 109).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

GNA YouTube Videos featuring the Common Snapping Turtle:

Snapping Turtle reconnaissance (Video Posted: 07/27/2023)

Common Names: Northern Black Racer

Year Noted: 2007

Identified and First Noted By: John Beneski

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 276-279).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 177).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

Common Names: Northern Ringneck Snake

Year Noted: 2007

Identified and First Noted By: Steven Clay

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 280-283).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 171).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

Common Names: Eastern Milksnake

Year Noted: 2007

Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 297-301).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 184).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

Common Names: Northern Water Snake

Years Noted: 2007; 2021-2023

Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout

Also Noted By: Ty Showers; Nur Ritter; David Kramer

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 302-305).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 160).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

Common Names: Dekay's Brownsnake

Year Noted: 2023-2024

Identified By: Eric Steven Roscoe (iNaturalist)

First Noted By: Miranda Davies

Also Noted By: David Kramer; Nur Ritter

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 320-324).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

iNaturalist Observations:

226712674 (Observed: 7/2/2024)

170173490 (Observed: 6/29/2023)

185029651 (Observed: 9/25/2023)

Common Names: Eastern Garter Snake

Years Noted: 2004; 2007; 2013-2014; 2017-2025

Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout

Also Noted By: Gerry Hertel; Kendra McMillin; Nur Ritter; Paige Vermeulen; Maribeth Beatty; Ariana Rivellini; Noah Long; Rachel Resuta; Kathryn Krueger; Mike VanMeter; Luke Knaub

Notes:

Conservation status: Least Concern (Population stable)

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 335-340).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 167).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

iNaturalist Observations:

321406409 (Observed: 10/17/2025)

208820565 (Observed: 4/22/2024)

206240800 (Observed: 4/8/2024)

192092872 (Observed: 11/17/2023)

153581180 (Observed: 4/5/2023)

85005087 (Observed: 3/28/2019)

42306146 (Observed: 4/14/2020)

63815892 (Observed: 10/24/2020)

Common Names: Eastern Box Turtle

Years Noted: 2007; 2009-2011; 2013-2014; 2016-2025

Identified and First Noted By: Gerry Hertel

Also Noted By: Kendra McMillin; Jared Kline; Nur Ritter; Paige Vermeulen; Maribeth Beatty; Ariana Rivellini; Noah Long; Matt Desko; Anna Carlson

References:

Hulse, A. C., et al. (2001). Amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Ithaca, NY, Comstock Publishing Associates (p. 233-237).

White, J. F. and A. W. White (2007). Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, Second Edition. Hockessin, DE, Delaware Nature Society (p. 128).

Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Herp Identification

iNaturalist Observations:

319953386 (Observed: 9/17/2025)

77509421 (Observed: 5/5/2021)

42306612 (Observed: 4/10/2020)

45214547 (Observed: 5/7/2020)

GNA YouTube Videos featuring the Eastern Box Turtle:

Eastern box turtle (Video Posted: 8/5/2014)