A salamander is a small amphibian that looks something like a lizard but with smooth, moist skin instead of scales. Salamanders typically have four legs, a long tail, and can range from just an inch to over a foot long depending on the species. Like frogs and toads (their amphibian cousins), salamanders start life in water with gills, then most species develop lungs and can live on land as adults, though they need to stay near moisture to keep their skin from drying out.

You'll often find salamanders hiding under logs, rocks, or leaf piles in damp forests, where they hunt for insects, worms, and other small creatures. Some salamanders have an amazing ability: if a predator bites off their tail or even a leg, they can grow it back over time. Many species have bright colors, warning predators that their skin produces toxins (though these are generally harmless to humans who simply watch them).