Me neither. But on a gray fall morning I have been known to think it's a great day for salamanders.

While lizards sluggishly look for a place to burrow down for hibernation, many species of salamanders use these wet cool days as a time to mate and lay eggs. Now, that's the life Ñ there's a reason to get up on a wet fall morning. Why wait until spring to reproduce like their distant reptilian lizard cousins? There are times when it just seems better to be an amphibian.

For lizards it's time to pack it in for the cold weather. And what's so great about that? But there is still prime slime time for the amphibious salamander.

So next time you wake up to a gray day don't pull the covers over your head and hibernate. Greet the day knowing it's a great day for a salamander. Perhaps take a slow walk down by the neighborhood creek. Glance under some leaves. Life is great!

If you want to learn more about wildlife in our neighborhood call Piedmont Wildlife Center at 489-0900. Ask about children's camps year round.