Salamanders

Eastern red-backed salamander

NPS / Anne Longman

There are eight native species of salamanders in Maine, but currently only six species (dusky salamander, spotted salamander, northern two-lined salamander, eastern red-backed salamander, blue-spotted salamander, and the eastern newt) have been recorded at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

All newts are salamanders, but not all salamanders are newts. Both newts and salamanders belong in the main family Salamandridae. Newts live part of their lives in water, where salamanders live most of their lives on land. Salamanders are incredibly diverse. They can range in size and color, some have lungs, some have gills, and others have neither and breathe through their skin. If you visit the park and happen to spot a salamander, consider yourself lucky, because these animals spend most of their time underground. Because of their hidden nature, they are often overlooked. Salamanders are currently threatened by climate change, habitat destruction, chemical pollutants, and epidemic disease. Their moist skin is permeable (porous or with openings for liquids and gases to pass through), which makes them incredibly sensitive to changes in the ecosystem.If you come across a salamander in the wild, it’s best to avoid handling it and to enjoy the moment by observing it from a distance. The salts and oils on human hands may harm salamander’s sensitive and absorbent skin.

Native Salamanders in Maine

• Eastern red-backed salamander
• Blue-spotted salamander
• Spotted salamander
• Northern dusky salamander
• Northern two lined salamander
• Spring salamander
• Eastern newt
• Four-toed salamander

Non-native salamander

• Mudpuppy

If you happen to come across a salamander during your visit, please share photos through iNaturalist. We would love to see your observations!