Newt Found

[Baz 005]

Hi, i am familliar with snakes and lizards, but i found a newt outside our place. it was cold stiff and barely moved when i picked it up. it quickly warmed up once inside. my question is, what to do with it now? will it survive outside?

Cheers.

[Ron Magpie]

Yep, it will be fine. Wait until the day has warmed up a bit, then put it back near where you found it. Was it under something? If you can, put it back there, but if not at least somewhere close with some shelter. Basically, you interrupted it's hibernation- best if it gets back to it asap. They are cool, though, aren't they?

[exoticsadmirer]

ooh if it's one of them endagered one your in trouble for touching it great crested newt i think you need a license to even touch them.

[SteveCourty]

yeah i keep finding them also. They need a good stone to get under. We have alot of newts and frogs that turn up in macerator tanks at work and im always saving them from the shredder! I have a spot down by the stream that is overgrown with lots of stones and a nice shallow pool off of the main stream that I realease everything.

I realease alot of frogs and toads there and some newts (havent a clue what they are)

Ill be honest if the RSPCA or anyone wants to take me to court for taking them out there habitat so be it. If there habitat means they have a few minutes before there cut into pieces then I strongly believe im in the right to move it

[exoticsadmirer]

well i had to rescue an endagered one when i did work experience it was in the dog grooming room! they should be hibernating at this time of year so that's why it'll be sluggish looking for somewhere near his water source to sleep.

[Baz 005]

Thanks guys, it was not under anything, it was just lying on the drive, i thought it was dead at first. There are a few bushes near our house and we are close to a canal, should i put it on the bank of the canal or under some leaf litter?

[Ron Magpie]

Ideally, hollow out a space under a large stone or something similar, and put it there. You can tuck some leaflitter round it, if you want. And no, you won't get prosecuted!

[exoticsadmirer]

just saying people get touchy with british natives so my college said but more than likely it's just your common newt.

[Baz 005]

Are there pics anywhere on here so i could try and identify it?

[Ron Magpie]

Just google 'European common newt' - but the only fiercely protected UK newt is the crested- and you'd know if it was one of those. In any case, cresteds usually hibernate in the water. Even then, what you are doing constitutes 'rescue' rather than 'interference'- which relates to disturbing or capturing them in their breeding ponds etc. If it's greeny-brownish, bout 2-3 inches long or less, with a paler belly,and probably golden eyes, it's most likely a common. Find it a good hibernating spot and stop worrying!