Common Name:
Pacific Giant Salamander
Scientific Name:
Dicamptodon tenebrosus
Unique Qualities:
The Pacific giant is one of the largest salamanders in the world. It can reach lengths of 30cm or more! This salamander has smooth marbled skin, often black marbling on a grey or brownish background. They have hardened toenails for climbing and digging.
Can be Seen:
The Pacific giant is found in coastal areas from southwestern British Columbia (only in the Chilliwack area) to southern California.
Likes to Hang Out:
It prefers unlogged or well established Douglas fir and broadleaf maple forests. It uses the damp mosses, fallen trees and other debris near cold streams and mountain lakes to hide under by day.
Likes to Eat:
Adult Pacific giants eat worms, slugs, frogs, other forest floor salamanders, small garter snakes and occasionally small mammals such as deer mice and shrews.
Status:
The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has designated the Pacific giant salamander as a threatened species. In British Columbia, it is on the Red List. This means it is protected by the B.C. Wildlife Act (you cannot collect it, keep it or move it elsewhere).
