Do Salamanders Burrow?

Salamanders are fascinating little animals that often spark curiosity. These creatures belong to the amphibian family, just like frogs and toads. And one common question many people ask is whether salamanders burrow underground like moles.

Yes, some salamanders do burrow, but not all of them. Many species of salamanders dig into the ground or use existing holes to stay cool, wet, and safe. Others live in water or under leaves and logs, never dig at all. It depends on the type of salamander and where it lives.

Why Some Salamanders Burrow

Burrowing plays an important role in helping some salamanders survive. Underground, they can find cool, damp places that protect them from hot or dry weather.

It’s also a great way to hide from predators like birds, snakes, and raccoons. And because salamanders breathe through their skin, staying in moist soil helps them get enough oxygen.

For many salamanders, burrowing isn’t just about hiding. It’s a smart way to stay alive in changing weather and to avoid drying out when the ground above gets too hot or sunny.

Types of Salamanders That Burrow

Not all salamanders burrow, but several well-known species do. Some dig their own tunnels. Others take over burrows left behind by animals like rodents or crayfish. Let’s look at a few examples.

Tiger Salamanders

Tiger salamanders are one of the best-known burrowing salamanders. They’re strong and chunky, with short legs and wide heads that make digging easier.

These salamanders often create deep burrows in soft soil and spend much of their time underground, especially during dry weather. Some tiger salamanders only come to the surface at night or after heavy rain.

Eastern Red-Backed Salamanders

Red-backed salamanders live in forests and are often found under logs, but they also dig shallow burrows in moist soil.

These tiny salamanders use their burrows to stay cool, avoid predators, and find damp spots to help with breathing through their skin.

California Tiger Salamanders

Like their relatives, these salamanders are excellent diggers. They often use old rodent holes but will also dig their own if needed.

In the dry climates where they live, burrows are a lifeline that helps them survive until the rainy season comes around again.

Mud Salamanders

Mud salamanders often live near streams, and while they don’t always dig their own tunnels, they’re known to use burrows made by crayfish or holes in soft, muddy banks.

These spots keep them wet and safe from harm.

Why Digging Helps Salamanders Survive

There are three main reasons salamanders dig into the ground: to stay moist, to stay safe, and to stay at a comfortable temperature. These reasons all come down to one thing: survival.

Staying Moist

A salamander’s skin has to stay wet so it can breathe. If it dries out, the salamander won’t be able to get enough oxygen.

Burrows are often damp, especially below the surface. That’s why digging helps salamanders survive, especially during hot or dry times.

Staying Safe

Being underground is one of the best ways to hide from predators. Owls, snakes, raccoons, and even other salamanders might try to eat them.

A hidden burrow can protect them from being spotted or grabbed.

Staying the Right Temperature

Soil stays cooler than the surface during hot days and warmer than the air during cold nights.

By going underground, salamanders can avoid extreme temperatures and stay in a better range for their body.

Where Salamanders Burrow

Salamanders live in many different habitats, forests, grasslands, wetlands, and even underground caves.

Whether they burrow or not often depends on their surroundings.

Forests

In cool, wet forests, salamanders can find soft soil under leaf litter. This is ideal for burrowing. Red-backed salamanders, slimy salamanders, and others dig shallow holes or slip into tunnels around tree roots and rotting logs.

Wetlands and Swamps

Near ponds, streams, and marshes, the soil is muddy and moist. Salamanders like mud salamanders and spring salamanders take advantage of this soft ground.

They often hide in crayfish burrows or dig into the bank near the water.

Grasslands

Some salamanders live in drier, open areas where they must dig deeper to find moisture. California tiger salamanders and barred tiger salamanders often use rodent holes to stay out of the sun and heat.

Salamanders That Don’t Burrow

Not every salamander needs to dig. Some live entirely in water, so there’s no need to burrow at all.

Axolotls, for example, spend their lives in lakes and ponds. They have gills and don’t need moist soil because they’re always wet.

Other salamanders live under leaf litter, rocks, or logs and stay close to the surface. Lungless salamanders, which breathe only through their skin and mouth, are usually found in damp, shady spots.

While some may dig shallow burrows, many are content to stay under natural cover without burrowing deep.

How Salamanders Are Built for Digging

Salamanders that burrow have bodies that are shaped for the job. They’re usually low to the ground, with strong limbs and wide heads that help push soil aside .

Their skin is sensitive and can absorb water from damp dirt, which is important for skin-breathing salamanders.

Their behavior also changes with the seasons. When it’s too hot, too dry, or too cold, they spend more time in their burrows. When the weather is cool and wet, they come out to hunt and explore.

Conclusion

So, do salamanders burrow? Yes, many of them do. Salamanders dig for shelter, moisture, safety, and comfort. Some dig their own tunnels, while others use holes made by animals like mice or crayfish.

Not all salamanders burrow, but for those that do, digging is a key part of how they survive.