City employees find a rare salamander
November 4, 2008
By Staff
The Pacific Giant Salamander is about the length of a city employee’s shovel blade. Photo contributed
A crew from the Newcastle Public Works department got quite a surprise in early October, when they discovered a Pacific Giant Salamander. The species is rare, and the creatures are usually very elusive and come out only at night to avoid predators. Even more
interesting, they actually bark when threatened, making a noise similar to a dog.
The crew allowed the salamander to go about its business, and came up with a new way to make sure these creatures are protected.
During the month, city officials worked with a volunteer group to install storm drain markers with the message, “No Dumping, Drains to River.” The markers will have two different logos, one with a salmon and the other with a giant salamander.
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