The Tiger Salamander (classified by scientists as Ambystoma tigrinum) ranges from 6 to 13 inches in length. It is thought to be the largest land-dwelling salamander in the world. Some scientists believe that the species should actually be divided into sub-groups of different tiger salamanders since the animal varies dramatically from place to place. Most are yellowish-orange with black splotches or stripes along the back. Sometimes adults will turn a more uniform olive color in 'old age'.

You can find this salamander throughout the USA--it has been seen in wet marshes, drier forests, and occasionally grasslands. Tiger Salamanders can be found hiding in logs near the water or in burrows created by other animals. They eat all kinds of insects, earthworms, mice, and even other amphibians! Tiger Salamanders are active at night after heavy rains, coming above ground to forage for food and mate.

Tiger Salamanders mate in the early spring after rains. The males come above-ground first, looking for fresh pools of standing water. Soon after, the females lay eggs in that water, attaching the egg sacs to plants or debris in the pool. It takes about 3 weeks for the eggs to hatch into larve. After another 3-4 month, the larve will fully transform into Tiger Salamanders.