Tiger salamanders are wide spread but rarely seen because adults spend most of their lives underground. They often occupy rodent, tortoise or crawfish holes, or they may burrow into soft dirt. They hide in cool, shady, moist places under rocks and logs, and in damp cellars also. Due to their burrowing habits, species of this family are called Mole Salamanders. They are nocturnal and may sometimes be seen at night after a heavy rain, especially during breeding season.
Moisture is essential.
They do not drink, but absorb water through the skin while sitting in puddles, in wet mud or sand, or by flattening their bodies on dew-covered rocks. Unlike reptiles, the skin does not retard evaporation. Loss of moisture during drought can be fatal. Skin is shed in bits and pieces or in one big piece. This skin usually is eaten, but some-times it is found stuck on water weeds.