Cardiac Hill Auburn State Recreation Area

March 3, 2022

Red-bellied Newt

This amazing creature has virtually no natural predators, due to the presence of tetrodotoxin in a skin secretion, which is 10,000 times more toxic than cyanide.  Picking one up won't hurt you, provided that you wash thoroughly and immediately afterwards.  Eating one, however, proves fatal to all except the common garter snake, which is immune to the poison.  This explains why the newt can walk around slowly and seemingly without fear.

China Bar on the North Fork American River

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Henbit Deadnettle

Common Groundsel

Finishing up

• Trailhead: Where the flume crosses Eagles Nest Road
• Distance: 5 miles