Q&A for How to Catch a Salamander

Plethodon Cinereus live in most places around eastern North America, throughout Canada and the US. You can find them in most marshlands and bog-type environments. They don't have much of a threat to kids besides the chance of salmonella. To avoid this, make sure you wash your hands after touching the newt or its tank area.

Yes, but it's still best to minimize handling in order to minimize stress. Gloves protect the animal from your skin's acid mantle, but not from being terrified of a gigantic predatory mammal.

If the crayfish are big enough then they will attack and sometimes kill salamanders.

Yes. However, certain species such as mudpuppies, hellbenders, and most larval salamanders are aquatic and do not require air to breathe. These need fresh aerated water though. All terrestrial salamanders need air to breathe however.

I would recommend a fire salamander. They are attractive and easy to care for. They mainly eat insects.

The only type of salamander native to Colorado is the tiger salamander.

No! Never try to use soap products on amphibians; you will hurt their sensitive skins and kill them!

Put out bait, like crickets, and give it some time to come into view. When you see it, slowly approach it and grab it. You might also try baiting a live-catch mouse trap with crickets.

Get a net. Find a spot where they hang out -- somewhere moist and dark, like under a rock. Lift up various objects lying on the ground until a salamander is spotted, then catch them with the net. If that fails, cover the salamander with both hands and pick it up.

Nope. As far as I know, the only reptiles or amphibians that make noise are snakes, lizards, geckos, toads and frogs.

If it's getting fat suddenly and it's a female, it might be pregnant. Otherwise, just start feeding it less and it should lose weight over time.

You may not be looking in the right places, or salamanders may not live there. Quite commonly you'll find salamanders under rotting logs or large rocks, and near water. If you can't find them there, salamanders may not live in the area.

Yes, you could use worms, slugs or centipedes. Make sure that they cannot escape your trap.

It depends on what species of salamander. Some have been known to live up to 55 years but the average salamander age is around 10 years. They normally live around moist areas of water, so check there. They lay eggs like any other animal that lay eggs; like a chicken.

No. You shouldn't touch it without gloves. You can use garden gloves or latex ones.

All salamanders are aquatic. If you identify it as a salamander, then it's aquatic.

Different types of salamanders breed differently. You'll need to ask a vet for advice and breeding information.

The easiest way is to Google salamanders in your state/region and look at pictures until you find the one that matches.

You need to make sure it that the food is alive, or else they won't eat it. They like to chase to eat.

Typical salamanders in a woodland are the two Spotted salamanders; one is yellow-spotted, which is slightly bigger than their blue spotted counterpart.

No, but if you're worried, then just make sure to thoroughly wash your hands after you've touched the salamander.

A salamander needs a wet surface to grip, so if there's not any kind of water or moisture on the side of the bucket, it won't be able to climb out.

It depends on what kind of salamanders they are. In general, salamanders tend to be carnivores, so they wouldn't really like algae. They usually eat worms, flies fleas, or other small insects. As they grow older they will need bigger insects and in a larger quantity.

You might be able to find the Northwestern salamander, or the long-toed salamander. Try looking under rotting logs near bodies of water. if you are interested in this, you should get the Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians.

Yes. There are at least 13 species including the Eastern Tiger salamander and Blue Spotted salamander. The most common salamander in Ontario is the spotted salamander. To find them, look under large rocks near creeks.

A lot, over 500. Tiger salamanders are one species that live there.

It should have a ground surface, and something to go under it, like in the wild.

Another fire salamander about the same size, to make sure the larger one won't take all of the smaller one's food (if you don't hand feed).

Never! No two amphibian species should be kept together. It could result in a fight and one of them might die.

Yes, you can. It is really easy, but it isn't good for the environment. Salamanders are important in the wild. They get rid of harmful insects. Plus, the big wilderness is a much better habitat than a small enclosure.