Aboreal Salamander

Arboreal salamanders (Aneides lugubris) are native to California woodlands and forests, though San Francisco Bay Area residents have been known to find them lurking under garbage cans in their own backyards! These salamanders have large, thick bodies and triangular heads. Their backs are colored dark brown or gray, while their undersides are a light cream color. Surprisingly, they don't have lungs, instead breathing through their skins and through membranes in their mouth and throat. Because of this, these salamanders like to live in very moist environments. To defend themselves, they might squeak, jump, or even bite a predator! Unfortunately, habitat loss and pollution pose a great threat to arboreal salamanders.