What Is Special About Salamanders?

Western Long-toed Salamander on brown leaf

Salamanders are secretive amphibians that have fascinated scientists, nature lovers, and anyone lucky enough to spot one in the wild. Their strange looks, quiet movements, and unusual abilities set them apart from most other animals. So, what makes salamanders so special? Salamanders are special because they can regrow body parts, live in many different habitats, … Read more

What Do Juvenile Salamanders Eat?

Smooth_Newt_Juvenile__80

Salamanders start life as small, soft-bodied animals that hatch in water or damp soil. As they grow, they go through different stages, from larva to juvenile to adult. The juvenile stage is important. It comes right after metamorphosis, when the salamander leaves its baby form behind but is not yet fully grown. Juvenile salamanders eat … Read more

Do Salamanders Take Care Of Their Young?

Eastern Red-backed Salamander Plethodon cinereus on brown leaves

Salamanders are small, secretive animals that live in cool, damp places. They hide under logs, rocks, and leaves. Most people only catch a glimpse before they vanish. Because they are so quiet and careful, you might wonder what happens after a salamander lays eggs. Do they stay with their young? Do they protect them like … Read more

What Do Salamanders Need In Their Tank?

Do Salamanders Turn Into Axolotls?

Keeping salamanders as pets can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it takes careful attention to their environmental needs. So, what do salamanders need in their tank to live well and stay active? Salamanders need a moist, well-ventilated tank with the right temperature, clean water, hiding places, and a suitable substrate that looks like … Read more

Why Are Salamanders Important?

Southern Two-lined Salamander Eurycea cirrigera on wet ground 1

Salamanders are quiet, secretive creatures that often go unnoticed in forests, wetlands, and streams. They spend most of their time hidden under logs, rocks, or leaf litter. So why are salamanders important? Salamanders help control insect numbers, improve soil and leaf litter, support food webs, signal environmental changes, and even contribute to scientific research. Even … Read more

Why Are Salamanders Going Extinct?

Western Lesser Siren Siren nettingi in a pond

Salamanders are quiet, secretive creatures that often go unnoticed in their environments. Even so, they are facing serious threats around the world. Over the past few decades, scientists and conservationists have noticed that salamander populations are dropping fast. So, what is causing salamanders to go extinct? Salamanders are disappearing because their environments are being destroyed, … Read more

What Smell Do Salamanders Hate?

Eastern Red-backed Salamander Plethodon cinereus on a wooden table

Salamanders are quiet, secretive amphibians that rely a lot on their senses to get through life. One sense they use more than most is smell. Unlike mammals, salamanders don’t breathe through their noses. Instead, they have chemical sensors in their skin and mouth that help them understand what’s around them. Salamanders don’t like strong or … Read more

What Attracts Salamanders?

Spotted Salamanders Ambystoma maculatum in a plastic box

Salamanders are fascinating, often hidden amphibians that people rarely see. Despite their secretive nature, salamanders do emerge in certain places and conditions. This raises an important question: what attracts salamanders? Salamanders are attracted to places that stay moist, provide shade, have lots of food, and offer shelter. Wet forests, marshy areas, and spots near ponds … Read more

Why Do Salamanders Come Out When It Rains?

Northwestern Salamander Ambystoma gracile on gravel

Salamanders are secretive, soft-bodied amphibians that usually stay hidden under leaves, logs, or rocks during dry weather. But when it rains, these shy creatures suddenly appear in surprising numbers, often crossing roads or exploring the forest floor. Many people wonder: why do salamanders come out when it rains? Salamanders come out when it rains because … Read more

What Do Baby Salamanders Look Like?

Southern Long-toed Salamander larva

Salamanders are small, soft-bodied animals with smooth skin and long tails. At first glance, they can remind you of lizards, but they live very different lives. One of the most surprising things about them is how much they change as they grow. Baby salamanders don’t just look like tiny adults, they start out looking more … Read more