description Northwestern Salamander Overview
The Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile) is a mole salamander native to the Pacific Northwest, ranging from southeastern Alaska through British Columbia to northern California. Adults possess prominent parotoid glands behind the eyes that secrete a milky, toxic substance as a defense against predators. Some populations exhibit paedomorphosis, retaining aquatic larval characteristics into adulthood.
help Northwestern Salamander FAQ
Where is the Northwestern Salamander found?
Ambystoma gracile is native to the Pacific Northwest, from southeastern Alaska and British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to northern California. It is associated with forests, ponds, lakes, and other moist habitats. [Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife](https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/ambystoma-gracile)
How can I identify a Northwestern Salamander?
Adults are large and stocky, with prominent parotoid glands behind the eyes and a glandular ridge along the tail. Those features help distinguish Ambystoma gracile from other mole salamanders in the region. [Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife](https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/ambystoma-gracile)
Is the Northwestern Salamander poisonous?
When threatened, it can release a sticky milky toxin from its parotoid glands and tail glands. The USGS describes adults and efts as mildly poisonous, so it should not be handled casually. [USGS](https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=2946)
Can Northwestern Salamanders remain aquatic as adults?
Some individuals do not fully metamorphose and retain the aquatic larval form, including feathery gills. Females may lay roughly 30 to 270 eggs in large underwater masses, depending on conditions and population. [USGS](https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=2946)
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