How to Capture Salamanders

North America has more salamanders than any other continent, according to Nature Haven. Salamander is a common term which encompasses more than 350 species of amphibians, so your odds of capturing a salamander are good if you know where to look and follow some best practices for catching these slippery creatures.

Things You'll Need

  • Area field guide
  • Rubber gloves
  • Small net
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Consult an amphibian field guide or website, or inquire at your local Fish and Game office to determine which species of salamanders live in your area.

    • 2

      Begin your search for salamanders by choosing areas near your home where the species would thrive. Target cool moist habitats with slow-moving bodies of water such as ponds, lakes and streams.

    • 3

      Choose a season such as late fall when water levels are dropping, and in some cases, entire ponds are being drained. This lack of water will make it easier to capture a salamander.

    • 4

      Look under rocks, logs and debris near the edge of the water. These creatures spend much of their time in the water, but often venture ashore to feed on insects which are the mainstay of the salamander diet.

    • 5

      Skim the water, especially if it is murky, with a small fishing net. Scoop along the bottom of the pond or stream to try and catch a salamander hanging out on the cool muddy floor.

    • 6

      Use rubber gloves to gently grab the salamander once you have found one. Their skin is incredibly smooth and slippery, so take care not to let the animal slip through your fingers.