In spite of the potential size of 8", searching for a rough skin newt is a bit of a treasure hunt, looking under logs, rocks, and decaying leaves on the forest floor.  They are most commonly seen on cloudy or rainy days as they migrate to and from their breeding habitat in late winter and late summer. 

As with all salamanders, (a newt is a salamander in the subfamily Pleurodelinae) their life begins in the water between December and July where eggs are laid singly and hidden within vegetation. While the eggs will hatch within 3 -4 weeks, they will remain in the larval stage in the breeding pool for 4 - 5 months.

The metamorphosis from aquatic to terrestrial life takes place when the larvae is 1.2" to 2.75"in total length. After emerging from the water, the newt which is semiaquatic,  can be found in grasslands, woodlands and forests that contain ponds and lakes with aquatic plants.

If you are so lucky to see one, it may be best to resist the temptation to pick it up. They are Washington's most poisonous newt and are found west of the Cascades. When threatened, this newt will do an impressive yoga "cobra" move, arching his head towards his tail. This reveals the bright orange underside which is a sign of toxicity to potential predators. 

How toxic are they? According to research, they may produce enough toxin to kill up to 20 people - but only if injested. The rough skinned newt has only one formidable predator - the common garter snake who has developed a resistance to the poison.