Amphibians have a dual nature, most species spend their childhood in water then mature into land dwelling adults. The larval stages are often fish-like with gills and tails and eventually they grow into their adult form and crawl out of the water, returning to water to breed. The spring is a good time to search out egg masses along pond edges. A couple species of salamanders breed under moist rotting wood and live their lives entirely in the forest.
These animals tend to have moist skin and are usually found in damp locations, under logs and in ponds and streams. Most amphibians have a thin layer of protective slime on their skin which is easily rubbed off.
