March 11, 1806, discovered at the Cascades, but described at Fort Clatsop, Oregon.
Tan to reddish brown above, light yellow to orange below. Back and belly colors blend. Length: 5-7.8 in (12.7-19.7 cm).
Quiet streams, ponds, and lakes and surrounding evergreen and oak forests along coast. Fast-moving streams through digger pine and blue oak communities in Sierra Nevada foothills.
Coastal California from San Diego to Mendocino County; also western slope of Sierra Nevada. Separate population at Squaw Creek, Shasta County. Near sea level to 7,000 ft (2,134 m).
The skin secretions of the newts of the genus Taricha contain toxins similar to those found in pufferfish liver. These are among the deadliest natural toxins yet discovered.
