found a salamander in the winter!

[woodarditeach]

I live in Illinois close to the Indiana border mid west - last night I found a salamander in my driveway - way out of his season!!! I have it in a tank with some bottled water in a pool, but need to know what to feed it - Help - thanks
B. Woodard

 

[Greatwtehunter]

Well for the time being I would feed it chopped up earthworms, I Have no clue how big it is so cut them to the appropiate length. Ok, now until we know what kind of salamander you found this is as good as answer I can give you. However, if you can post a pic (which is the best way) or be as descriptive as possible so we can identify your salamander and then give you its dietary requirements.

 

[Azhael]

Exactly. First thing is to identify the species, since requirements can vary, and the second thing is to make sure the laws in your state allow you to keep that specific species.
Earthworms are your best shot at keeping it eating and healthy...wax moth larvae are great to triger eating responses, and to help build up some fat in slim animals, but should not be abused. Other things you can try are dusted crickets, slugs, isopods, fruitflies, etc, it will depend on the size of the salamander.

 

[Jan]

As you have more than likely found a terrestrial salamander, it needs to come out of the water and be placed on moist soil. It is probably an ambystoma (tiger, spotted or blue spot) or a slimy sal. See these care sheets for pictures....and if one of these, for care:

http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Ambystoma/A_tigrinum.shtml
http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Ambystoma/A_maculatum.shtml
http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Ambystoma/A_laterale.shtml
http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Plethodon/P_glutinosus.shtml

These guys can easily drown.

As others have said - post a picture if you have the ability to do so.

 

[onetwentysix]

It might also be P. cinereus, but I'm guessing you've got A. maculatum or laterale.

http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Plethodon/P_cinereus.shtml