Are Salamanders Carnivores?

Blue-spotted salamander eating a worm

They sit quietly in the mud or under a log, barely moving, but when the moment is right, they strike fast and grab their food with no hesitation. If you’ve ever watched a salamander eat, you might wonder just how meat-loving they really are. Yes, salamanders are carnivores. They eat live animals like insects, worms, … Read more

Are Salamanders Lizards?

Cave salamander, also called spotted tail salamander

They both crawl on four legs, they both have long tails, and they both love warm, damp places. But despite all that, salamanders and lizards are not the same thing. No, salamanders are not lizards, they’re amphibians, not reptiles. That might sound like a small difference, but it’s actually huge. These two animals come from … Read more

Are Salamanders Reptiles?

Rough-skinned Newt Taricha granulosa on gravel

Salamanders are often mistaken for reptiles. With their long bodies, four legs, and lizard-like shape, it’s easy to understand why. They are sometimes seen in the same areas as snakes, turtles, or lizards, which adds to the confusion. But are salamanders really reptiles? No, salamanders are not reptiles. They are amphibians, which is a completely … Read more

Can Salamanders Smell?

Long toed salamander on the ground

Salamanders are mysterious, quiet creatures that often stay hidden in cool, damp places. They move slowly, stay close to the ground, and rarely make noise. Because they live in dark forests, under logs, or in murky streams, it’s natural to wonder how they sense the world around them. If they can’t rely much on sight … Read more

Can Salamanders Live Underwater?

Eastern Hellbender 1

Some salamanders are born in the water and never leave it. Others live on land but return to water to breed. It all depends on the species. Yes, many salamanders can live underwater, and some spend their whole lives there. Aquatic salamanders are fully adapted to underwater life. They breathe through gills or absorb oxygen … Read more

Can Salamanders Eat Dead Mealworms?

Dried mealworms

Salamanders are quiet amphibians that prefer the shadows of forests, gardens, and streams. Their secretive nature and insect-based diet make people curious about how best to feed them in captivity. One common question from salamander owners is whether it’s safe or healthy to feed them dead mealworms instead of live ones. Yes, salamanders can eat … Read more

Can Salamanders Make You Sick?

Are yellow spotted salamanders poisonous, dogs or cats

Salamanders might look harmless with their soft skin and slow crawl, but they can carry germs that spread to humans. Yes, salamanders can make you sick if you touch them and then touch your mouth, eyes, or food without washing your hands. The main risk comes from bacteria, especially salmonella. It doesn’t make the salamander … Read more

Can Salamanders Live In Saltwater?

Do Salamanders Recognize Their Owners?

If you’ve ever watched a salamander crawl out from under a damp log or swim through a still pond, you’ve probably noticed something: they don’t really look like ocean animals. And that’s not just your imagination. While salamanders are great at living in all kinds of freshwater places (like ponds, streams, swamps, and even underground) … Read more

Do Salamanders Give You Warts?

Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus 1

You may have heard someone say that touching a salamander will give you warts. Maybe it was something you were told as a child, or perhaps you’ve just seen it repeated in books or cartoons. The idea has been around for a long time and has caused a lot of confusion. But is there any … Read more

Can Salamanders Get In Your House?

Eastern Red-backed Salamander on forest floor

Salamanders are quiet, secretive creatures that prefer damp, cool places. But sometimes, they show up in the most unexpected spots, like your kitchen, bathroom, or basement. So what’s going on? Yes, salamanders can get in your house, especially if it’s cool, damp, and easy to sneak into. They don’t come in to cause trouble. Usually, … Read more