Looking for tadpoles

Be very careful taking the tadpoles, as you have to prove what species they are, and some (like African clawed frog tadpoles) are illegal to have in possession... Make sure you read the reptile and amphibian part of the regulations pamphlet

 

springtime in puddles is how I usually find them

 

Wait till next spring.

Seasonal creeks are your best bet.

But I will keep an eye out for you when I am hiking or mountain biking. Will be hiking along San Clemente Creek tomorrow, might see some there.

 

Daniel, the African clawed frogs are now well established in the tecolote canyon natural park. Many many years ago I would trap crawdads in the golf course area. In the early 80's I started getting them in my traps. Probably someone let some aquarium pets go in the creek.

 

It is my understanding that the ones we have locally were laboratory animals that got let loose by an anti testing group in the 70s... Another destructive pest let loose by some idiots who should know better...

 

No tadpoles there today. Was just south of #52. Did see lots of minnow like fish and one sunfish about 5" long.

Not a bad hike for kids though, not much elevation change and the trail along the creek is mostly shady, easy to see lots of small fish. Can see lots of crawdads at night if you were to bring lights. Water is polluted so don't play in the water. Easiest access is from the bottom of Bothe Avenue, hike downhill, left under 52 and right to follow trails along the creek. Will see lots of small fish (1-3") with polarized sunglasses.

 

I remember back in the day in lakeside, during the rains...
the ditches would overflow & tadpoles drifting down the streets...
those days are gone...

 

I could give you a few spots in North county, but I’m sure they are done for this year.

 

The African clawed frog tadpole looks and act more like a catfish and will swim anywhere in the water column

 

Saw a puddle full of tiny tadpoles last week. Not sure the species, could just be toads. Also not sure how fast they turn into frogs so might no longer be there, but might be worth checking out. It's along the trail behind the Crime Victims Memorial Garden.

 

Walk the muddy shore at Loveland reservoir. Thousands of them just the other day. Not sure what species