Question: Help Please.

[critter lover]

I found a small salamander in my basement today (they come in from the sump-pump) and I may have hurt it trying to rescue it. I have it in a plastic container with a lid that I bought at the pet store a while ago for this very purpose, and right now I have a wet paper towel (recycled non-chlorine bleached) soaked in water to keep him moist (he is hiding in it). I am waiting for the evening to try and find a damp hidden area outside to let him go but now I'm afraid that the water I used might not be the best (bottled Crystal Geyser). I really could use some advice. Thanks.

 

[onetwentysix]

If you intend to keep it, we're going to have to identify the animal. A photo, description and your location may help.

Ultimately though, it might be best to release the animal, assuming there is a nearby area suitable for it and temperatures are high enough for it to find a new area..

You mentioned you may have hurt the animal; how is it damaged?

 

[critter lover]

I do not intend to keep it. I am hoping to find a moist covered area outside and release it this evening. I live in the North Berkeley Hills of California. The salamander is a light brown, almost translucent color with faint white spots on its back. I found him by accident by a wet sandbag in my basement. As I was trying to catch it, it quickly ran under a wood storage box. I tried carefully to remove the bottom panels so I could get him and he crawled up into the box. I accidentaly dropped one of the panels and I'm not sure if I hurt him in doing so. When I caught him, he started wiggling and I dropped him on the cement floor. Then I picked him up and put him in the container with the wet towel. I feel so bad! He crawled into the paper towel and is hiding in there. I really hope I didn't hurt it but I don't know how to tell.