How to Find a Salamander

Salamanders are easy to keep as pets and are small enough to be housed in a classroom. They are fun to find and to set up in a terrarium. However, finding a salamander in the wild can be difficult, since they are mainly nocturnal. Once they are found, they make cute and entertaining pets.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Look in areas that are away from direct sunlight, since salamanders will seek hiding places away from the sun. Look under downed trees and large branches to find the cool spots in which they may be hiding.
2. Lift up large rocks to find more hiding places. Leave large rocks or other large objects outside and wait for salamanders to discover them. Wet the object down to give it extra appeal to salamanders.
3. Look in hiding places that are naturally damp for the best chance to find one. Look under wood and rocks located next to creeks, rivers and lakes, or search after a rain. Look under driftwood along the beach or river.
4. Sort through a stack of firewood to find the salamander in its most traditional hiding place.
5. Search at night if the daytime search hasn't been productive. Cover a flashlight to darken the beam, so that the salamander isn't scared away by the light. Look in places that insects gather. Insects such as worms, grubs and crickets are irresistible to salamanders.
6. Find salamanders in the water. Look for swimming salamanders, since some species live much of their lives in water. Lift up rocks and wood in the water to find waterborne salamanders.