Ambystoma maculatum

[mike]

Hello,
Last December I found a beautiful Ambystoma maculatum (I was able to id it from this site). It was nowhere near water, snow was coming so I took it in. I created a habitat for it and he/she survived the winter (eating worms and grubs). It is now spring and I want to release it back to the wild. There is a pond nearby in the woods, I was thinking that would be the best place. We still may have some frosty nights for the next few weeks, should I wait or release him/her soon?
(I live in Central New York)

 

[russ]

Actually they're not aquatic. As long as it hasn't been in contact with any other captive amphibians it should be ok to release it. Find a good rotten log near where you found it last year and place it at it's edge in the evening. If you've had some recent rains that would be even better. Watch to see that it goes for the cover and it should be fine.

RUSS

 

[mike]

Russ,
Thanks!
Mike

 

[jacob]

Spotties are only aquatic during mating.