Help for rescued Northwestern Salamander

[megan]

I found a nearly frozen Northwestern salamander in the middle of a walking trail near my home last week (Snoqualmie, WA, 25 miles east of Seattle, elevation 900 ft). I brought it home. Later that day it snowed 9 inches. I want to return it to the wild, but I figured we needed to wait for warmer weather. I'd love some input on when would be the right time to return this animal to the woods--spring? cold, but ground not frozen? summer? I think we're ok now with housing and feeding from the info on this site (although it hasn't actually eaten a worm yet...), but if anyone has suggestions there that would be great, too. Thanks.

 

[jake]

is it ill or do you not no and you should have a good look at this animal and see if there is anything wrong with it and if there is i would look after it or get it back to health and then let it go when its not cold but i would just keep the animal it may just not be able to do what all the others are doing so if i was you i would just keep it and give it a good life

 

[jake]

so have you maid your mind up

(Message edited by fire_salamander_breeder on January 18, 2007)

 

[megan]

It appears to be in good shape. As I'm doing more research on the web it looks like the transformed adults of this species would normally be active for breeding season which up here in the hills might be April or May. So, I guess we have a house guest for awhile. I'm still hoping I can get it to eat soon, I did find one source that suggests they like slugs. We'll see how it goes.

 

[Jan]

Northwesterns are mole salamanders and if you haven't already, you may want to review the following which is good as a general guide to the care of mole sallies:
http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Ambystoma/A_tigrinum.shtml
Regarding feeding, you may want to try some size-appropriate crickets (available at bait shops, pet stores, etc.).

Regarding returning an animal to the wild after it has been kept captive, is not a good idea. It may transmit diseases back to native amphibians and it may not be able to survive in the wild after being in captivity - see the following:
http://www.caudata.org/cc/faq/FAQmis.shtml
Good luck with your salamander.