Description
The largest salamander in Oregon and Washington has a bulky head and body, and large,
muscular legs. Adults reach 7.5 inches (190mm) snout-vent length and 13 inches (330 mm)
total length. Terrestrial adults are marked above by a marbled pattern of tan and
reddish-brown or chocolate, or occasionally slate.
Distribution
The Pacific Giant Salamander occurs from southwestern British Columbia to northern
California. In our region, they are found throughout the Cascade Mountains, and portions
of southwestern Washington.
Habits and Habitats
Pacific Giant Salamanders inhabit cool, moist coniferous forests in the vicinity of cold,
clear streams and mountain lakes. Terrestrial adults are seen infrequently as they spend
much of the non-breeding season beneath the surface in burrows or concealed among surface
debris. They are active at the surface primarily at night during periods of high rainfall.
Pacific Giants are among the relatively few salamanders that are capable of producing
vocalizations. If bothered, they may produce
a sharp, low pitched yelp (similar to a dog's
bark). They may also attempt to bite and are capable of inflicting a
painful cut. Their large size and powerful jaws make them a formidable
predator of not only insects, slugs, snails and worms, but also of other amphibians,
snakes, and small mammals (shrews and mice).
The reproductive biology of the Pacific Giant Salamander is poorly known. Eggs in
varying stages of development have been found from spring well into fall. Apparently,
there is little synchrony in breeding. Each female lays between 75 to 100 eggs in hidden
underwater chambers in the gravel of a spring, stream, or mountain lake. Learn more about Dicamptodon Tenebrus. |
