State Amphibian - Spotted Salamander
Even though they live mostly underground, the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) is Ohio's official state amphibian.
State lawmakers declared the salamander's status as the state amphibian in 2010. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources reports salamanders are found anywhere in Ohio where there are low-lying moist woodlands adjacent to swamps, ponds and creeks. The salamander has a nocturnal nature and tunnels underground, mostly being seen above the surface in early spring to migrate to breeding ponds. The spotted salamander is described as having a chunky body with two rows of bright yellow or gold spots on its sides.