Salamanders are quiet, secretive animals that live in damp forests, near ponds, or under rocks. They don’t make much noise, and they don’t move very fast. But one thing might surprise you, some of them can climb. And not just trees or logs. Some can even climb walls.
Yes, some salamanders can climb certain types of walls, especially if the surface is rough or damp. But not all salamanders have this ability, and not every wall is climbable.
First: Not All Walls Are the Same
Before we talk about whether salamanders can climb walls, we need to think about the walls themselves.
A wall can mean a lot of things. It might be:
- The glass side of a terrarium
- A concrete basement wall
- A brick garden wall
- A damp cave wall covered in moss
- A tree trunk or a vertical rock face
Some of these walls are smooth and dry. Others are rough, wet, or covered in small cracks and textures. The way a salamander interacts with a wall depends heavily on what that wall is made of.
A smooth, dry wall (like clean glass or painted plaster) is almost impossible for most salamanders to climb. But a moist, rough wall (like bark, stone, or mossy brick) can be much easier.
Salamander Feet Are Built for Crawling
Salamanders don’t jump like frogs. They don’t have wings or suction cups. But their feet are still made for movement.
Most salamanders have small, sticky toes that help them grip onto things. Some even have wide toe pads that can hold onto uneven surfaces. And if their skin stays moist, that also helps them get a better grip.
But it’s important to remember that salamanders are crawlers, not climbers by default. Only certain species have bodies built for vertical movement.
So… Can They Climb Up Walls?
Some salamanders can climb walls, but only certain kinds of walls, and only certain species can do it well.
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Climbing Smooth Walls (Like Glass or Tile)
Most salamanders cannot climb glass or other smooth surfaces. Their toes aren’t sticky like a gecko’s specialized toe pads. Glass is too slick for them to grip, and if it’s dry, it makes climbing even harder.
However, if the wall is slightly wet (or if the salamander is very small and light) it may be able to move a little way up before slipping down.
But this doesn’t happen often, and it’s not something most salamanders can do safely or for very long.
So if you’re worried about your salamander escaping from a glass tank, you probably don’t need to panic.
As long as the walls are smooth and tall enough, and the tank has a tight lid, your salamander will stay put.
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Climbing Rough Walls (Like Brick, Bark, or Stone)
This is where things get more interesting.
Many salamanders can climb textured walls. If the wall has cracks, moss, or a rough surface, their toes can find grip points. In nature, this is how they climb up tree trunks, stone walls, or vertical forest surfaces.
Some salamanders even live in vertical habitats, such as cliffs, damp caves, or walls near waterfalls. These surfaces are rarely smooth.
They’re often rough and constantly wet, perfect for a salamander’s body.
So yes, on the right surface, a salamander may climb several feet straight up.
Species That Are Known Wall Climbers
Not all salamanders are good climbers. But some groups are known for it, especially those that live in moist forests and mountain areas.
1. Aneides (Arboreal Salamanders)
These salamanders live in trees and rocky hillsides. They have long toes and strong limbs, which help them hold onto bark, stone, and rough wooden walls.
People have seen them crawl up fences and climb inside wall cracks.
2. Plethodontids (Lungless Salamanders)
Many of these salamanders climb vertical surfaces in search of moisture, insects, or safety.
They don’t have lungs (they breathe through their skin) which means they must stay moist at all times. Climbing walls helps them avoid dry ground or reach cooler air.
3.Tropical Tree Salamanders (like Bolitoglossa)
These salamanders live in humid forests and have wide toe pads that help them cling to leavesand vertical branches. If you put one on a rough, damp wall, it would probably climb without much trouble.
Studies published in the Journal of Herpetology have shown these species have specialized adaptations for arboreal life.
So while not every salamander climbs, there are plenty of species that do; and walls are just one more surface in their vertical world.
Can Pet Salamanders Climb the Walls of Their Tank?
This is a common concern for pet owners.
If you have a smooth-sided glass tank, your salamander probably can’t climb it.
Most pet salamanders, like tiger salamanders, fire salamanders, or axolotls, don’t have the kind of toes or strength needed to go up the walls.
But if the inside of the tank has branches, rocks, plants, or textured decorations, your salamander might try to climb those.
It’s not unusual to see a salamander halfway up a fake tree or leaning against the tank wall.
If your salamander is a natural climber, make sure the tank has a secure lid. Even if it can’t climb glass, it might crawl up other items inside and reach the top.
Also, be careful about moisture. If condensation builds up on the glass, it can create a slippery film that some light-bodied salamanders might try to crawl on.
It doesn’t mean they’ll get far; but it’s something to watch.
Can Salamanders Climb the Walls of a House?
This sounds strange, but it does happen, especially in warm, humid places.
In tropical areas or during the rainy season, salamanders sometimes show up on the outer walls of homes, especially if those walls are made of brick or stone.
They might be chasing insects, looking for moisture, or escaping predators. The U.S. Geological Survey has documented various salamander behaviors in urban environments.
Salamanders don’t want to come inside your house. But if the outer walls are rough and damp, they might climb up them at night.
It’s usually harmless and temporary. Most salamanders will leave as soon as the environment changes.
If you find one on your wall, you don’t need to be afraid. It’s not dangerous. Just let it be, or gently move it outside if needed.
Conclusion
Yes, salamanders can climb walls. But it depends on the type of wall, and the species of salamander.
Most common salamanders in North America are not good climbers, and will not climb up your wall.
Hi, my name is Ezra Mushala, i have been interested animals all my life. I am the main author and editor here at snakeinformer.com.