Tiger salamanders

[lauren]

My son is not caring for his tiger salamanders that we have raised from larvae. I would love to liberate them if they could survive the canals, lakes or everglades of South Florida. Will water birds get them? Can they live with the water temps. here? If anybody knows about this please help.

 

[joan]

It's not recommended to release captive herps into the wild. They will spread diseases they acquired while in captivity, and may not be able to fend for themselves.

It's ESPECIALLY important not to release an animal in a habitat where it is not native. This is how you get problems with invasive species. And from what I hear, the Everglades have enough invasive species.

If you really no longer want it, take it to a pet shop and offer it to them for resale, or post a 'for sale' add here.

 

[edward]

It is usually against the law in each state to release nonnative species without a specific permit....

Ed

 

[drew]

Another option you could consider is contacting a local reptile rescue group. You could give it to them since they probably have knowledge of who would be interested in it and who could take care of it. Whatever you do, don't turn it loose.