Natural History of Tiger Salamanders

Video Transcript

"Tiger salamanders are one of largest species of salamanders found in North America that are solely pretty much terrestrial, but they do go to the water to lay their eggs. Their large size makes them fairly easy to work with. Now, tiger salamanders, a lot of them have bright yellow blotches on their skin. Now, in nature, yellow and some other hot colors, such as red and oranges, are usually indicators of warning. This telling the predator that they don't taste good or that they have toxins in their skin. Instead of having to be fast to escape their predators, they rely solely on their color of their skin to warn the predators that they have toxins in their skin. Although some animals, such ass garter snakes, water snakes, ribbon snakes, and even hognose snakes will readily feed on tiger salamanders and other toxic salamanders and newts as well. Now, there are some larger species of salamanders found in North America such as the hellbender, which is totally aquatic. Also, the amphiuma and the greater siren, which is also an aquatic species. These guys, the terrestrial tiger salamander, definitely make the best choice of a pet."