Is the blue-spotted salamander poisonous?
Salamanders are not dangerous to humans, they are shy and cryptic animals, and are completely harmless if they are not handled or touched. This is not only for our safety, but for the salamanders as well. Salamanders have very absorbent skin and the oils and salts from human hands can seriously harm them.
Are there poisonous salamanders in NJ?
These brightly colored spots act as a warning mechanism to predators, warning of the salamanders’ toxic, milky substance secreted from glands along the back and tail. Along the side are also 12 costal grooves. Zoom+ Range of the spotted salamander in New Jersey.
Where can you find blue-spotted salamanders?
Blue-spotted salamanders are found from eastern central North America and stretch in a broad band across to the Atlantic Provinces and northern New England. They are found around the Great Lakes and west as far as central Manitoba. They reach as far north as James Bay, Ontario (Collicutt 1999).
What is threatening the blue-spotted salamander?
Populations are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, and increased urbanization. Certain populations of this salamander are being impacted by a high number of roadkills during the spring breeding season when these animals migrate in large numbers to their temporary breeding pools.
Can you keep blue-spotted salamanders as a pet?
Care in Captivity. I’ve had good success keeping Blue-spotted Salamanders in captivity for periods up to a month or two. They’re small, so you can keep them in a small aquarium. A summer-caught salamander should be kept in a terrarium with moist moss or gravel.
Can you keep a spotted salamander as a pet?
Spotted salamanders are very personable and make great pets. Make sure you wash your hands before and after you handle them, and they will live for a couple decades. They’re easy to care for and inexpensive to maintain.
Can you keep a blue-spotted salamander as a pet?
How do you tell if a blue-spotted salamander is a boy or girl?
During the breeding season, the cloaca of male Ambystoma are enlarged, while the cloaca of females remain smaller. If you can pick up your spotted salamander and flip it over, you can easily tell its sex.