Our grandson stored a bunch of stuff under a tarp on our backyard lawn for several days. When the tarp was removed today a thick black salamander with bluish spots on its side was found curled up underneath. Clearly this was an Ambystomatid (mole salamander), but what kind? The Blue-spotted Salamander is a state-listed species that occurs in our region and looks a lot like our beast, but Ambystomatids are notorious for hybridizing. Genetic analysis at the molecular level would be required to determine the animal’s true affinities. We released it into our wildflower patch. Chris posted a picture on her facebook page.