Bright orange newts were spotted at Pennsylvania’s Flight 93 National Memorial in the middle of their migration.
According to a Facebook post on the Somerset County memorial’s page, they are red efts — the juvenile stage of Eastern newts. They have red spots on their bright orange skin.
The newts are in the process of migrating out of wetlands to spend colder months on land, according to the post.
Because newts breathe and absorb water through their skin like most amphibians, they are very sensitive to water pollutants, the post said.
The Flight 93 National Memorial was built on a reclaimed strip-mine, and the site has undergone “immense efforts to improve water quality and overall wildlife habitat.” This has been possible through reforestation and water treatment, according to the post.
“So, when visitors spot red efts at the memorial, it’s ‘good newts’ indeed — it means the water is clean and the ecosystem is thriving,” the Flight 93 National Memorial said.
The post cautioned visitors to the memorial to keep an eye out for the bright orange newts, or “tiny travelers,” and watch their step.
