Tiger Salamander

Ambystoma tigrinum


Amazingly, Tiger Salamanders are found throughout the U.S, including Montana. They are also found in Canada and Mexico, making them the most wide-ranging salamander species in North America. Because of their ability to live in deep burrows, up to two feet below the surface, they are one of few salamanders able to survive throughout the central U.S.  

The most common markings found include yellow stripes over a dark brown body. These markings are what give this hardy amphibian its name, due to their resemblance of a Tiger's stripes. Some may have more blotches than stripes, with a few having no markings at all.

Tiger Salamanders are the are the largest land-dwelling salamander on the planet. Incredibly, they can reach 14 inches in length.

They are found near ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams, but often show up in neighborhoods after heavy rainfalls. They emerge from their burrows at night to feed on insects, frogs and worms. Tiger Salamanders are a long-lived species, often living to 16 years in the wild.

Click HERE for a Tiger Salamander Activity Sheet!

Our Current Residents

Sally: Female, Hatched 2017 (estimated)

Simon: Male, Hatched 2017 (estimated)

Sally and Simon were donated to ZooMontana as pet surrenders. They have been at the Zoo since 2019.

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Amphibia
  • Order: Urodela
  • Family: Ambystomatidae
  • Genus: Ambystoma
  • Species: Ambystoma tigrinum

Animal Facts

  • Carnivore
  • Least Concern
  • Waterways
  • Nocturnal


Our Animals