Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in Southern N.H. on the Massachusetts border. Two days ago I found a small 1 1/2 to 2 inch long black salamander with yellow spots/blotches on is back and sides. The poor thing was almost frozen and stuck to my concrete patio. It must have been trying to make it back to the woods and got caught in the extremely cold night air. I set it up in a small critter carrier with damp sphagnum moss. My question is, should I try to place it in a cool part of the basement and let it hibernate till it warms up in the Spring or should I keep him warm and feed him? If I feed him, what should a sally this small be feeding on? I want to let it go on the next 50 or 60 degree day we get, but if it doesn't warm up I want to be able to help this little one.

Thanks

I'd just hibernate it and release it in the Spring (if that's legal to do where you live). A salamander that small would need fruit flies, bloodworms, pinhead crickets or other small food items.

Tim

Third Eye

Thanks for the info. The one I found looks nothing like the one pictured there. It is jet black with yellow spots. I have it set up in a nice enclosure and it is feeding on pinhead crickets. Very cool sally!

Sounds like a Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum).
You can do an internet search and see it that's what it is.
There's also care sheets too, if you do an internet search.
They're easy to keep, so if it's already eating, it will probably do well for you.

Tim

I will look it up. Yes, eating and pooping like crazy!
Thanks again for the info. I'll try to get a picture.

Finally got around to taking some good pictures of the salamander I found!

Another picture

Sally Salamander!!!

Ohhh! Too cute! Sally Salamander Rules!
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Jeanne Leary
www.USAGeckos.com

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Signature file edited; [phw 9/26/04]

Sally Salamander is a pudgy little mofo!

Snow Patrol 2 to Snow Commander 1, come in Snow Commander 1!
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Jeanne Leary
www.USAGeckos.com

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Signature file edited; [phw 9/26/04]

Snow Commander 1 here!!!!!!!!!