Posted by peter cram on August 10, 2006

Q: I think that our basement is infested with spotted salamanders...we don't mind this at all and actually like them and think their neat. But my kids and I want to know whether we should be removing them and placing them outside for their own safety or whether they are likely migrating to the basement because they like it there? They don't seem to be dying in the basement and to the contrary, no matter how many we removed, more keep appearing.

Thanksv

Habitat: field/meadow

State: Vermont

Habitat: field/meadow

A: Nice to see you aren't freaked out by these interesting, totally harmless animals. If they were in my basement, I would definitely take them outside and release in a wooded area. In the spring, adult Spotted Salamanders migrate to small ponds to lay their eggs so I'm guessing that what you're seeing now are young ones rather than adults (adults reach about 7" in length)?

Once the young finish their larval development in water, they leave, so I'm assuming these are the ones getting into your basement now. Guess I'd try to find out where they're getting into your basement and close that up. Those in your basement now won't be able to find much/any food so it's important for them to be released in a moist, wooded area to find a safe place to live and feed. Hope this helps you out. Thanks for asking.

John Wiessinger ( August 10, 2006)