An animal rescue organization north of Calgary is asking Albertans to be on the watch for western tiger salamanders, which typically travel toward their wintering sites in the fall. The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), in the hamlet of Madden, says some of the amphibians trek up to a kilometre as they move from their summer habitats. “Despite their small size — typically just 15–20 centimetres long — these journeys can put salamanders at increased risk of injury and entrapment,” AIWC said. “Basements, greenhouses, window wells and construction sites can provide attractive shelter for salamanders looking for a place to overwinter, but they can also trap them.” Anyone who finds an injured or trapped salamander is encouraged to contact the AIWC Wildlife Hotline at 403-946-2361.
