Species Reptiles & AmphibiansTiger Salamander

Tiger Salamander

Ambystoma tigrinum

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)

The Tiger Salamander is the largest land-dwelling salamander in North America. Its striking yellow-and-black barred pattern makes it unmistakable. Larvae are commonly sold as fish bait under the name waterdogs.

Habitat
Forests, grasslands, and farmland near ponds and slow streams
Diet
Earthworms, insects, small mice, and amphibians
How common
Common

Best time to see a Tiger Salamander

The best time to see a Tiger Salamander is May–September, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 8,293 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Tiger Salamander sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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