This section of the redwood grove had clear, slowly flowing water about 1 ft. deep. The salamander was still on the creek bed, it was about 6" long, a green/brown that blended perfectly with the silt bed.It had large, wavy external gills. The tail had a prominent ridge with white dapples. a few smaller, similar salamanders were seen downstream a few feet. This is probably a Dicamptodon ensatus, which can remain a larvae for tow years or longer.
Found under brush that was laying in the garden.
Headwaters of the Lewis and Clark River near Saddle Mt, Clatsop Co., OR
Matt pulled up a log and we both let out a howl! THE target species of the day. Biggest one we'd both ever seen!
Can someone ID this critter, please? I will try to update a more exact location soon.
Pacific giant salamanders (Dicamptodontidae) are a family of large salamanders.
