Ambystoma maculatum

[simone z]

I rescued my spotted salamander from my basement. While i have been enjoying his company..i wonder if it is best for me to return him outside when the weather warms up. Will my salamander be able to fend for himself again if i release him? He is quite spoiled since his stay with me, as i have caught all of his food for him. He has been with me now for for at least six months and is now about 6 inches long compared to about 2 and a half when i first found him. Is it right for me to keep him?
simone z

 

[jewett]

Because this animal has been in captivity it would be unwise and possibly illegal (depending on your location) to release it in to the environment again. There is always the risk it could harbor pathogens that it was introduced to while in captivity (via its food, substrate/bedding, etc) and them expose other wild critters to those pathogens. Just hold on to it and continue to enjoy its company.

 

[simone z]

Thankyou..i was struggling with the right decision to make and so now it has been simplified for me! He is a great pet to have and very easy to care for..my three year old loves to watch him when he comes out of his little den underground!