Transporting Salamanders from the UK/EU

[nkatko]

Can anyone tell me if there are any US or European custom regulations regarding transporting a salamander or two, purchased in the UK or EU, and brought back to the US on a commercial airplane as part of my carry on luggage?

 

[Jennewt]

The rules (and/or the enforcement of them) are constantly changing. You should not trust any answer offered on an Internet forum, or you could find yourself breaking the law, or having the animals confiscated. The only way to get an accurant, current answer for the exact species you are considering is to call US Fish and Wildlife and explain to them exactly what you want to do.
http://www.fws.gov/le/ImpExp/Contact_Info_Ports.htm

You should also check with the airline about its rules. In general, I believe that such animals have to be packed to travel as luggage (in a cooler, for example, with a room-temp cold pack to prevent freezing), not as carry-on.

 

[SludgeMunkey]

Most airlines will not allow live animals as carry on luggage. As Jen said, the rules and laws change constantly, so research direct from the sources is your safest bet. Keep in mind the species of animal may come into play too.