Tiger salamanders are common throughout Utah, but always found near water. The adults live on land, but spend most of their time underground.
They must lay their eggs in water, where the babies (larvae) also live. The larvae have feathery gills on the side of their heads which help them breathe underwater. When they change into adults, the salamanders lose the gills and develop longs.
Tiger salamanders are predators, and especially like baby insects and frogs.
Cool Fact:
In some cases, the salamanders never lose their gills. They keep living in the water and can get pretty big - over 1 foot long.
Although they never look like adults, these salamanders can still lay eggs and have babies of their own.
