Comments on: Creature Feature – Spotted Salamander

By: Mom! There is a lizard at the door! « toughwords

Mom! There is a lizard at the door! « toughwords — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:14:18 +0000

[...] It is called a Spotted Salamander. More info here. [...]

By: reptilesalive

reptilesalive — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:06:48 +0000

It is easy to confuse damage done by one animal for another. Salamanders, which are amphibians, have no capability of chewing through anything, much less a screen. Lizards, which are reptiles, cannot chew through anything either. Assuming the animal you have found is actually a spotted salamander, the best place for him would be under a pile of leaves in soft soil in the woods. Please do not relocate him/her to far, because they visit the same vernal pool every year in the spring to breed. The closest spot to your house, maybe a wooded area with lots of fallen leaves that will be left all winter, would be best. A nearby wooded area could work also. But again, please do not relocate him to far. Good luck!

By: RattlerJen

RattlerJen — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:23:08 +0000

George,

Salamanders remain fairly active year round here in Virginia. They do not truly go through hibernation as we imagine bears do. Many are still quite active in the middle of January. Salamanders this time of year may be found quite far from water so proximity to your pond is unimportant. These amphibians need a damp area of leaves and fallen logs or rocks to hide under.
My suggestion; gently capture the salamander and move it to a part of your property where you will not be raking up the leaves. The salamander will be very happy cruising the leaves for yummy worms to eat.

By: George Webb

George Webb — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:10:49 +0000

I have just discovered one that has chewed through a window screen in order to be closer to the warmth of the house. What do I do for it in preparation for its winter hibernation? I am afraid if it stays there it may freeze.
I have a small garden pond which could freeze over during a hard freeze. Wouldn’t it be best to take it to an undisturbed area of moving water?
G. D. Webb
Locust Grove, VA