Salamanders retreat to rodent burrows or other moist places underground as surface moisture declines in summer. Periods of surface activity are strongly correlated with fall, winter, and spring precipitation. No additional information. Retreats to rodent burrows or other subterranean cover in summer, and possibly during the cooler periods of winter at higher elevations. It is assumed that the area of surface activity occurs over, or in proximity to, the area of subterranean activity.
Subterranean activity is probably minimal.
Males are not known to be territorial. Eggs are usually laid near the end of the period of surface activity. Females brood eggs and may help keep them moist with mucous secretions from the skin. Males are occasionally found near brooding females. Pacific giant salamanders, red-legged frogs, garter snakes, rubber boas, and Steller's jays have all been observed to kill ensatinas.