Are Salamanders Dangerous?

Last updated: 05/06/2021
Estimated read time: 3 minutes

Despite their bright colors, salamanders are entirely harmless if they are not handled or touched. These small animals are somewhat reclusive, meaning that they generally run away from and avoid contact with humans.

What are Salamanders?

A salamander is an amphibian, which means that they are cold-blooded and spend part of their lives living in water and part of it living on land. They are often confused with lizards because of their slender bodies, blunt snouts, short limbs, and tail. One easy way to tell them apart is that lizards have dry skin with scales, while salamanders have moist, smooth skin. Additionally, lizards can often be found bathing in the sun, while salamanders prefer damp habitats near rivers, streams, logs, and under rocks.

What do Salamanders eat?

Salamanders mainly eat small animals, including worms, spiders, insects, slugs, snails, mosquitoes, flies, and even other salamanders.

Do Salamanders live in Maryland?

Roughly 20 species of salamanders inhibit Maryland—some species, such as the Eastern Tiger salamander and the Green salamander, are categorized as endangered. Like the Eastern Mud salamander or the Jefferson salamander, others are rare and on the Maryland Watchlist. Check out the Department of Natural Resources’ Field Guide to learn more about the species.

Do Salamanders Bite?

Yes, salamanders can bite, though they rarely do, as they are timid and tend to avoid confrontation. In most cases, the amphibian will only bite if it mistakes your hand for food. While their small teeth rarely penetrate the skin, clean the wound immediately and monitor for signs of an infection.

Are Salamanders poisonous?

While salamanders are not venomous (meaning that their bite is not toxic), their skin is poisonous. If you happen to come into contact with a salamander, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands afterward and avoid rubbing your eyes or touching your mouth to prevent irritation.

In most cases, if you find a salamander on your property, it is best to leave it alone. They will not harm you and act as a form of natural pest control through their eating habits.

If you find several salamanders or want them out of your yard, we encourage you to avoid harming the amphibians, especially as several species are endangered. Instead, use natural and organic repellents to keep them off your property.

• Salamanders have a keen sense of smell, so consider scattering mothballs around your yard or buying electronic repellents that plug into outdoor sockets—they dislike the odor and will move away from them.
• You can also scatter granules or spray repellent around damp areas to discourage salamanders from building nests and laying eggs.
• Additionally, regularly drain standing freshwater to prevent salamanders from breeding in your yard.

If you are still having problems or would like to talk to a local expert, make sure to reach out to the team at BOG Pest Control for personalized solutions that are eco-friendly and safe for your family.