Found spotted salamander

[jeff]

Need help! I live in NH, its freezing out now and I have a big spotted salamander living in my basement. I think it's been living here for years,
but for some reason it hasn't burrowed anywhere yet, and I'm worried that it will freeze. It's hanging out by my water tank where its moist. Can I put a short box full of soil down there for it to burrow into to hibernate? Does it need to hibernate? Can it stay active in my basement through the winter? I like the dude, or dudette as the case may be...I'm sure it has plenty of spiders to eat down here.}}}

 

[jennifer]

What is the actual temperature in your basement? It seems unlikely that it would freeze. They don't hibernate, they just slow down as the temp gets cooler. He may be active. Giving him some soil is a nice idea, but I doubt that he would climb up INTO a container, he's more likely to seek hiding places elsewhere. Be sure there is some moisture somewhere for him.

 

[jeff]

Thanks very much Jennifer!! Big relief...I always prefer not doing anything to something wild. This will be good news in the kingdom of the basement, I'm thinking of naming it Aslan.
temperature stays around 50 or warmer if I have a fire going in woodstove. Aslan's area is in a dark corner and its moist because of my water tank so yes that is a constant. Very cool, thank you.

 

[jeff]

I'll take Aslan's picture soon and post.

(Message edited by jennewt on December 07, 2005)

 

[jeff]

50's aren't a problem for A. maculatum at all. The salamander should be fine living in your basement provided there are moist spots, plenty of food and it runs into nothing caustic.

 

[jeff]

Thats great...and my basement is toxin free. It's cool to think that its been living there for years. I always thought they would climb down for a few days and then climb out using my bulkhead stairs. My 10 yr old would like a salamander for a pet...

Which type would be ok ? where would i get one etc.? I have an 8 gallon tank.