Posted by Sarah Reilly on November 1, 2005

Q: My son came in yesterday carrying a tiny little salamander - I think! He found it in on top of the wood pile, which was strange since I thought they lived in or near water. We live in Maine and it is november. I am afriad he will die if we let him go. My son wants to keep him and watch him grow, but we have no idea how to care for him.

Habitat: forest/open woods

State: Maine

Habitat: forest/open woods

A: You haven't described the salamander so I won't be able to tell you what kind it is, but there are several species in your area that live in moist conditions far from standing water. If you're not quite sure if it is a salamander, look closely at its toes. If it doesn't have toenails and if its skin is smooth and does not have scales, it's not a lizard so must be a salamander.

Feeding a small salamander, especially during the winter, will be quite difficult. Salamanders are all carnivors and eat a variety of small insects, spiders, and other little animals. Pet store fair usually isn't adequate and often is simply too big for them to eat. I can understand your concern about a small animal with the approach of winter but these animals are well adapted for life where they are. You can release your little guy (where you found it or close by) and know that it will find a good place to spend the cold winter months.

I can imagine that your son will be disappointed but this is an important lesson to learn. If you try to "rescue" your animal it's likely to die over the winter and that too will bring heartache. So...I hope you can explain to your son that in the best interest of the salamander, it should be allowed to hibernate on its own. Maybe next spring once temperature rises and food is easily found, your son can find a salamander to care for and learn about. Thanks for asking.

John Wiessinger ( November 1, 2005)