The Brothers Wild: How to Search for Salamanders

Salamanders are one of our favorite creatures to search for, but it is no easy task! Here, we're going to share with you some of the must know techniques and things to consider for finding these incredible amphibians!

Proper Habitat:

Salamanders need moisture to survive and reproduce, so look for them in areas where it's very damp, such as under rocks, logs, and near streams or ponds is ideal! It's also important to consider, many salamander species live in damp forests with leaf litter and dense undergrowth!

Temporary Pools of water that form in the Spring months are important breeding grounds for many salamander species, so it's important to make sure you always look in these areas!

Behavior and Activity:

Salamanders are nocturnal, meaning they are active and hunt during the night. A great strategy to employ is heading out to search creeks and the areas nearby at night, especially after it rains. Most often you'll see salamanders out and moving around, so flipping rocks and logs will likely be unneeded, unlike during the day. We've encountered multiple species in the same location all over the place during similar conditions!

Salamanders are much more likely to be seen in cooler, wetter weather especially after a good rain! On really hot days, they will most likely not be active, so it's important to skip those days. Salamanders are very cunning and elusive. Being patient and taking your time looking in the areas you think they might inhabit is key.

Best Times to Search:

Spring and Fall are the prime times to locate and encounter salamanders, as they are much more active during these season, particularly during the breeding season which takes place in the Spring!

Remember, rainfall always brings the salamanders out of their hiding spots, making them so much easier to spot, especially at night!

Salamander Safety:

A salamander's skin is very sensitive! The oils contained on a humas skin can be harmful, so avoid touching them directly, unless your hands are very wet with water!

You have to flip rocks and logs while searching for salamanders, but it's so very important to place the rocks and logs back gently and in the same position and location from where you found them. They are often salamander homes, even if you don't find any when you look under them, they just weren't there that time!

By knowing salamander behavior, habitat preferences, and the best times to search for them, you can find and interact with these amazing creatures in the wild! Follow our tips and insights here and you'll drastically increase your chances for salamander encounters!

Get outdoors and enjoy these fascinating amphibians!