Question: Can somebody ID this salamander?

[AdvythAF]

I found this salamander (picture in file attached) in a coastal redwood forest in CA. I think it is a Yellow-Eyed Ensatina salamander, but I am not 100% sure. Can someone please tell me the name of this species? I have never found this species of salamander before.

Additional Details: It burrowed itself into the ground. The day I found it, the forest was very cold and the ground was really wet.

 

[sde]

It looks like a Oregon Ensatina salamander ( Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonesis ). Yellow eyed ensatina salamanders would have some yellow in their eye, which this one doesn't seem to have. -Seth

 

[AdvythAF]

Its possible that it is an Oregon Ensatina, however, I looked at some range maps, and the area I found it in does not fall into the range of the Oregon Ensatina. Its possible it had some yellow in its eye; the image is not good. Next time I will take better photos.
-Advyth

 

[sde]

Well, it depends on how far south you were at when you found the salamander....if you were south of E. e. oregonensis range then it was probably E. e. xanthoptica.And since it is against forum rules to post exactly where you were, you are going to have to figure this one out yourself. Take a look at the range map on this site: http://www.californiaherps.com/salamanders/maps/ensatinamap.jpg

Hope this helps!