RSPCA hopes to reunite amphibian with owner

The RSPCA is attempting to locate the owner of a fire salamander, nicknamed Sammi, who was found wandering the streets of Bewdley, Worcestershire.

A member of the public found the amphibian at 5.45pm at Laxton Drive on Sunday, December 15 and managed to confine him until the RSPCA arrived.

The salamander was initially reported as being lethargic but is now said to be doing well with the proper care. Once a place becomes available at a specialist exotic animal facility, Sammi will be transferred.

Fire salamanders live in wet and cool environments and are primarily found in central and southern Europe.

As their needs in captivity are identical to those in the wild, the RSPCA said anyone keeping these animals as pets would need to have thoroughly researched and understood their needs first in order to care for them properly, as required under the Animal Welfare Act.

Mark Lewis, RSPCA inspector, said: “Fire salamanders are not native to the UK so Sammi must be a pet. Enquiries close by haven’t traced his owner so we hope that we can find out where he came from.

“We have also logged Sammi as found on various databases including PetsLocated.com and the National Theft Register just in case someone is out there looking for him.”