How Do Salamanders Defend Themselves?

Eastern Newt Notophthalmus viridescens red eft on forest floor 1

Salamanders are soft-bodied, quiet animals that live in damp forests, near water, and hidden underground. They may look fragile and slow, but these animals are far from helpless. Salamanders protect themselves through poisonous skin secretions, camouflage, sudden movement, tail dropping, and bluffing that scares or confuses predators. These tricks help them escape from birds, snakes, … Read more

What To Do If You Find A Salamander

Spotted Salamander on a leaf

Salamanders are quiet, secretive amphibians that many people rarely see. But if you are lucky enough to find one, it’s natural to wonder how you should act. If you find a salamander, it’s best to watch it without disturbing its home, avoid handling unless necessary, and if moved, return it safely to a nearby moist … Read more

How Long Do Salamander Eggs Take To Hatch?

Long-toed Salamander egg mass close to hatching

Salamanders have a fascinating life cycle that begins with their eggs. These eggs are laid in water or in moist places, depending on the species. The time it takes for salamander eggs to hatch can vary widely. Salamander eggs usually hatch between two and six weeks after being laid, but the exact time depends on … Read more

How To Repel Salamanders

Northern Slimy Salamander Plethodon glutinosus 1

Salamanders are quiet, secretive amphibians often found near cool, damp places. While many people enjoy seeing them outdoors, some homeowners want to keep salamanders away from yards, gardens, or houses. To deter salamanders without causing harm, it helps to understand their habits and needs. Salamanders prefer moist, shaded environments and seek shelter in places that … Read more

Where Do Salamanders Sleep?

Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum on a dry log 1

Salamanders are quiet and secretive creatures that often go unnoticed. Their lives are shaped by the environments they live in, especially the places they choose for shelter and rest.  So where exactly do salamanders go when they need to rest? Salamanders sleep hidden under logs, rocks, leaf litter, or inside moist, sheltered spots that protect … Read more

How To Feed Salamanders

Blue-spotted salamander eating a worm

Feeding a salamander may seem simple at first, but there is more to it than just dropping insects into a tank. These quiet amphibians have specific needs, and meeting them takes attention, patience, and a little understanding of how salamanders find and eat their food in the wild. Salamanders eat live prey that moves and … Read more

How To Find Salamanders

Are yellow spotted salamanders poisonous, dogs or cats

Salamanders are quiet and secretive creatures that often go unnoticed by those who explore nature. They tend to stay hidden in cool, moist places that protect their delicate skin. Salamanders are most often found in moist, shaded environments like under logs, rocks, and leaf litter near ponds or streams, especially during cool, wet weather. Moist … Read more

How To Hatch Salamander Eggs

Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum egg mass

Salamanders often seem quiet and mysterious, moving silently through leaf litter or gliding beneath the surface of a pond. But behind this quiet presence lies a fascinating life cycle that begins with delicate jelly-like eggs. To hatch salamander eggs, keep them moist, clean, and at the correct temperature, while making sure they stay safe from … Read more

How Did Salamanders Evolve?

Brightly colored mud salamander

Salamanders are quiet, curious creatures that have been around for a very long time. Over millions of years, they have slowly changed to survive in new places and conditions. Their long past helps explain many of the things that make them stand out, like growing back lost limbs or living in both water and on … Read more

How To Draw A Salamander Step By Step

Red Salamander

Salamanders have a long, slender shape, a soft expression, and small details that make them fun to draw. Whether you’re a beginner or someone with drawing experience, sketching a salamander can help you notice features you might not have paid attention to before. To draw a salamander, start with basic shapes for the head and … Read more