A monster of a salamander

It was a rainy afternoon, and I was sick of the weather. We decided it was perfect to explore outside under logs and rocks. We found lots of red-backed salamanders, which Owen was happy to hold. Under one large log, we found a humungous Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum). He was almost as large as my hand! He was very lethargic until my hand seemed to warm him up. The he was eager to climb off. It was such an exciting find that I called a neighbor who works for the Land Trust--she came right over!

 Lisa, our neighbor, holding the salamander and a piece of his shed skin.

Owen holding a red backed salamander, one of our most commonly seen amphibians.

 Big guy

 18 month old Eva checks him out.