Salamanders, Pacific Giant, Barred Tiger

[Alan]

Hello, My name is Alan. I still think I'm a kid when it comes to critters. Obtained a Coastal Pacific Giant Salamander less than a year old that has tripled its size when rescued by the neighborhood kids. It was about 3 inches long with bite marks all over and several sections of his tail missing. They brought him to me all dried up and we figured he had little chance. Good Water and a clean habitat with what amounts to a t-bone stake, some fresh wigglers and small banana slugs, the kids keep him well fed. After a month he recovered a 100%
eating everything before it hit the ground. He now measures 10 inches and could be a sumo wrestler for the pacific title. Not sure to let him go back to the same area or not at all considering viral or contagion ? We recently adopted a bared salamander, they are both of the same family , is it possible for reproduction ? They are kept separate.

Thanks for any information, Alan

[Jason R Davis]

Congrats on nursing it back to great health. Unless your laws are different it is illegal to return a once wild salamander once it has been in captivity. I'm from Michigan though so I am not familiar with your laws.

Good luck, sounds like he could eat you in your sleep soon.

[Jan]

Might you post a picture of your Dicamptodon? Is it terrestrial?....sometimes they can be confused with Ambystoma species. I would also review your state laws as Dicamptodon are protected in much of their range. They are voracious eaters like you say and can pack a nasty bite. Returning to the wild is discouraged for the reasons you site. Pleased to hear that you are maintaning the two animals separately....good call.