Smallmouth salamander

[dchallans]

I recently found a smallmouth salamander while walking my dogs at a dog park. It was an unusually warm day. I called a naturalist and was told that the salamander probably came out of hibernation prematurely. She felt that he/she would freeze if left. I have him in a plastic storage container with cocoa fiber. It has a log, rocks and leaves to hide under. He has a water bowl that I picked up at a pet store as well. He doesn't move around much at all. He will find a spot and stay there for a day or two. I've tried to feed him meal worms and crickets which he hasn't eaten. Recently I bought anole and he ate some of that a couple of days ago. Yesterday he got into his water bowl and he is still there today. Can someone tell me if this is normal behavior and if I am providing what I need to until I can release him in the spring?