tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377411732843394854.post2651058612768443949..comments2024-02-18T06:41:44.121-05:00Comments on Thinking Out Loud In Sturbridge: Every Little Bit HelpsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377411732843394854.post-5703043047996213752007-12-28T10:31:00.000-05:002007-12-28T10:31:00.000-05:00Carol, Thank you. It is good to know that this sal...Carol, Thank you. It is good to know that this salamander is not one of the endangered ones. I remember as a kid finding them everywhere in Medfield. I think the only thing endangered would have been me if I had not taken care of the critter. Fortunately, he has found a "buddy", and they are now sharing the space, and won't be evicted anytime soon.<BR/><BR/>Whew.Wally Herseehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11052949223548827269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377411732843394854.post-28957774196198945682007-12-28T09:38:00.000-05:002007-12-28T09:38:00.000-05:00Talk about an eye opener - this was better than co...Talk about an eye opener - this was better than coffee! <BR/><BR/>I must say that I was very surprised to see the yellow-spotted salamander on your blog page, but even more surprised to see the Opacum Land Trust logo on your blog. Be careful - you may be labled as an SOS supporter, or worse, a member! <BR/><BR/>What a great story, and very amusing. First, I must say that true to your statements on this blog, you have strived to find balance and harmony with the creature, so kudos to you and your fiance. <BR/><BR/>Secondly, the yellow-spotted salamander is not an endangered species, but others from his family are, such as his/her chubby cousin and Opacum's mascot, the marbled salamander (ambystoma opacum). <BR/><BR/>These animals go underground in winter, that's why they're commonly called "mole salamanders" and lucky him/her found your basement! <BR/><BR/>Thirdly, tell your fiance that he/she will be in your basement eating bugs that also live down there during winter - I view salamanders as the other "spider" with 4 less legs and much, much cuter. They are not slimy either. Let him/her get chubby - it's to your advantage. <BR/><BR/>And last, he/she will leave the confines of your basement in spring when he/she will search out the breeding pool in which he/she was born. Have no fear - your basement will not be certified as a vernal pool, nor will anyone try to help the creature across the road. Chances are, his/her breeding pool is up to 1,000' from your house. Also, based on your description, it sounds like a mature salamander; they can live up to 20 years, so probably he/she has avoided the road to become a mature individual. <BR/><BR/>Enjoy this relationship over winter. Learn from it. Not that you asked for any advice, but if it were me, I would just let it do its thing; if it cannot survive in your basement, it will leave. If it's trapped, it will die a natural death. <BR/><BR/>This is nature at your doorstep! Er, in your basement!Carol Childresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03618390924726720962noreply@blogger.com