Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I think it's a salamander of some kind, but possibly a newt. A buddy of mine showed up with it in a plastic bag w/ water, said there were a bunch of them in puddles around his house (it recently POURED). I'd like to try keeping it, but first I'd need to know what I'm dealing with so I can look up info on caring for it. Currently he's in a tank of spring water with styrofoam for him to bask on. I'm in the gulf coast of Texas, right near Freeport if that helps the ID any.

Here's a photo; he/she/it is about 4"-4.5" long including the tail.

Its a salamander, of what species I dont know im sure if you do a search on the one localy found in your area youll find out.

I dont know about Texas but in PA most of them are protected in some way, you may be commiting a crime if you care.

I would not suggest keeping it, it will be hard to feed and take care of I would advise and ask you to send it back outside before it dies.