How I rescued my Tiger Salamander

Every year in the early spring, a local fishing and tackle shop orders what are called “Waterdogs”. Waterdogs are a slang name given to the larvae of the Tiger Salamander and sometimes other species. Waterdogs are considered some of the best bait for catching large bass.

I love nature and animals. I love having them as pets and I love to photograph them. I decided to purchase some of the Waterdog and raise them. I bought 10 of them and brought them home. Unfortunately because they are only meant for bait, they are not handled or transported with any care. Only 2 survived to become adults. This is one of the ones that survived.

They eat mostly worms, but sometimes they will eat crickets and other small bugs. They are easy to take care of, as long as they have the right temperature and humidity, they will thrive.

I contacted the fishing store last year to see if they got any more, but they said due to the pandemic, they would not receive a shipment. I am going to try again this year to see if they will get any this time.