There on the firm, red mud bottom was the first adult blue-spotted salamander I had ever seen in nature.
Salamanders are by nature secretive creatures.
Only during damp or rainy nights do most species venture out from their daytime retreats and unless you know and search their habitat, you will seldom see one. The blue-spotted salamander is the second largest of our 5 native species of salamanders. Adult males range from 78 to 134 mm long while females are 95 to 140 mm. Adults are usually bluish-black in colour, although some individuals may be slightly paler underneath. Pale blue spots are found along the sides of the body and tails, as well as on the chin, abdomen and limbs.