It’s going on my fourth month now in Rawlins, Wyoming as an amphibian intern. Since my last post, there have been many more frogs/toads and many more interesting experiences. The weather has finally gotten better. The snow eventually stopped and the sun has finally come out to stay.

My daily work schedule has involved driving around the Rawlins Field Office searching for amphibians. I have had the privilege of seeing many different types of frogs/toads including spadefoots, chorus frogs, northern leopard frog tadpoles, and even the occasional salamander. Aside from these awesome amphibians, it’s been common to see baby antelope, wild horses, and even a young badger on our surveys.

As for the landscape out here, there has been mud, giant playas, and rocky/cobble roads. I even managed to get stuck in a muddy playa. I managed to get out, but lost my wader boots in the process. The bugs have also been an obstacle this year; bug spray kind of does the trick, but constant swatting is the only way to guarantee a limited number of bites. However, these obstacles are a small aspect of the exciting work I get to take part in here.

I look forward to witnessing more of Wyoming’s wildlife as I finish out my internship position these next couple months.

Talk to you later,

Jackie Taylor

Rawlins, Wyoming