California newts and rough-skinned newts are local to the East Bay and migrate from their upland shelters to lower, wetter areas for winter breeding season. As a result, South Park Drive in Tilden Regional Park will close to automobile access from Nov. 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 to allow the newts to pass through. According to UC Berkeley integrative biology lecturer Alan Shabel, because of the newts’ slow movement and long size of between 5 to 7 inches, the animals are unable to cross the road successfully if there is traffic. Every year, South Park Drive closes to vehicles for this five month period, Mason noted. Read more through the link in bio. ✍️: Allison Chow 📸: Emilia Bulfone . . . #ucberkeley #dailycal #berkeley #californianewt #roughskinnednewt #eastbay #tildenregionalpark