is this a newt?

dinkybaby · #1 (**permalink**) 27-10-2010, 07:13 PM

hi, i found what i think could b a newt outside my house but im not sure as iv never seen a newt before. it looks like a lizzard it has a orange/red under belly and dark spots covering its body also it doesnt have webbed feet. i was reluctant to bring it home but did any way although i know it was proberly the wrong thing to do. is this a newt?

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 27-10-2010, 07:16 PM

Definately the wrong thing to do, it sounds like a great crested newt (heavily protected), No photo, the best thing to do is to place it back where you found it as soon as you can. Sorry to sound so blunt but they are a protected species, and its never great to move things without knowing what they are. Welcome to WAB.

Naturenutz · #3 (**permalink**) 27-10-2010, 07:18 PM

Yes sounds like a newt,i think the web feet are only found in breeding season on palmate newts(spring /early summer).It should be close to hibernation.I would release it somewhere near where you found it.They hibernate under stones/walls etc

dinkybaby · #4 (**permalink**) 27-10-2010, 07:21 PM

i looked it up as soom as i got home an was worried it might be a great crested newt as it is illegal to handle or own them where i live. should i place it near a water stream or really where i found it on the street? thanx for ur relpies

faz · #5 (**permalink**) 27-10-2010, 07:21 PM

could also be a smooth newt but as doghound says you cant take them home
best advice is to put it back wher you found it
welcome to WAB

Kayleigh · #6 (**permalink**) 27-10-2010, 07:22 PM

Hi and welcome to WAB...

yes sound advice, put it back where you found it as it has the right habitat for it to hibernate and hopefully breed next spring..

Dogghound · #7 (**permalink**) 27-10-2010, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinkybaby

really where i found it on the street?

Place it in the safest area as close to where you found it as possible. If you found it in the middle of a road obviously dont put it back there but put it under a hedge, in a garden, grass verge etc. It will be on its way to a hibernation site, also try and release it at night.

theresa dockery · #8 (**permalink**) 27-10-2010, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinkybaby

i looked it up as soom as i got home an was worried it might be a great crested newt as it is illegal to handle or own them where i live. should i place it near a water stream or really where i found it on the street? thanx for ur relpies

Go back to where you found it - look for the nearest marshy or 'wild area', find (if you can) a pile of old moss-covered rocks/logs and place the newt in the grass/undergrowth next to those. It will make it's own way to a suitable resting site.

Whatever you do, DON'T lift a stone up, stick the newt under it & put the stone back down!! I don't mean to patronize you in any way - it's just that I have seen people do this