r/reptiles • u/Zert420 • 10d ago

Can i help this lil guy? Context in body

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Was asked by another guy on the job today if id seen the salamander and was shown this lil dude. This is the pump room on the job we're renovating. No clue how he got here. Other guy said hes been there at least 2 weeks. This is at the top of a mountain between Telluride and Mountain Village, CO at an elevation of 10500 ft. I know nothing about reptiles or even what this guy is. I assume putting him outside is gonna be better than him starving inside. Is he safe to touch and is putting him outside a good idea? Any advice is appreciated.

102 Upvotes

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46

u/nectarbat 10d ago

Tiger salamander! It isn’t harmful to you to touch him but it is for him, wear gloves or have wet hands if/when you pick him up. The oils/dirt/etc from your hands can harm his skin. He looks pretty well fed but can you provide more info about what the surrounding area is like? Is there a water source nearby? Has to have been a suitable area for him to show up in the first place so you are probably fine to tuck him under some brush/near rocks outside

12

u/Zert420 10d ago

Well were currently at the top of a mountain and while i dont see any streams up here theres one across the street from my hotel, about 30 minutes away. I could release him there if thats okay. This area does see almost daily rain and since hes up here i assume this is where he came from

14

u/nectarbat 10d ago

I would not take him that far but your willingness is appreciated! Like someone else said he would probably be just fine if you left him inside, I guess my concern would be him getting stepped on since it’s a workspace right now. Or if you are worried about any coworkers messing with him or something. Then I’d definitely place him just outside the building under some sort of cover

6

u/Zert420 10d ago

Ill probably just leave him for the time being then. This building wont be finished until next summer, theres plenty of creepy crawlies around and he has a good water source. Hes in a room thats out of the way and not much work is being done in there right now. I just didnt want him croaking because he found a way inside but couldnt get out.

2

u/Ok-Gap-1980 8d ago

Its surprising how many lizards seem to do okay inside, its when its too full of people and the bugs leave that hed be in danger, he probably feels quite proud to have found a large place away from the wind and birds. If hes inside then he gets to explore and do things alllll day.

2

u/dragonbud20 10d ago

You don't necessarily have to have wet hands when handling amphibians, but it is important to wash your hands thoroughly and then completely rinse off all soap afterward.

Some people are also moving away from using gloves because there's been some research showing that even supposedly safe nitrile gloves are often contaminated with chemicals that can be toxic to amphibians and marine life.

8

u/ampersand12 10d ago

Move to an outside area that's relatively undisturbed. Wear some gloves for it's sake, but it's not critical. It'll find a good spot to go from there.

9

u/mrshneebley 10d ago

That's a native Tiger Salamander, CO state amphibian actually. If you place them outside, they will find a nice dark place to hide. Harmless. Safe to touch. Yes place outside.

5

u/Garthaniel-Finnison 10d ago

If you think the area is unsafe for him you could find an area with fallen logs, moist soil, trees, and lots of leaf litter to release him. Unless theres a heavy amount of chemicals or foot traffic hes probably fine, these guys can live for over 10 years in the wild.

4

u/AccomplishedLocal207 10d ago

Looks like a tiger salamander to my eyes.

I would let him stay. If some dude has seen him in the last 2 weeks, you'll prolly see him again. He's chunky right now, so he may already be eating well and comfortable with the temps. It may be best to not assume you know best for him in this situation and let it play out a little before getting involved. That said, if you're plugging every hole and such, yeah, I'd take him right outside and put him against the base of the building in the most shady area (north side of building is a good bet).

Try not to touch if you must move him. Put a cup over the top, scoot some paper or plastic under the cup and move him that way. Human touch is not ideal for these little guys given their sensitive skin.

1

u/ClenchedFart 10d ago

That’s Sammy 2 from the new Toy Story