So, what should you do if you find one of these critters in your basement? If temperatures outside are expected to remain above freezing for a few days or so and the ground isn’t covered in snow, the simple answer is just release the salamander, snake, or whatever else you’ve got outside as near to the house as possible, but ideally in the woods. For salamanders, place them next to something they can hide under and provide some moisture if you can’t find a nice damp spot for release. If, like me, you live in Northern New England where temperatures are well below freezing most of the winter and snow might cover the ground for months on end, it can be a bit more complicated. For people with old dirt floor basements and stone foundations, you could just leave the snake or salamander there and let it find its own way out in the spring. For others, who either have very dry or inescapable basements, and those who don’t want snakes and salamanders loose in their house, there are a couple options. In the case of salamanders and frogs, providing a cool damp environment will be critical to their survival. Laws and guidelines vary from state to state, so please consult your state fish and wildlife agency for specific guidance. Finding a licensed rehabilitator to care for the animal for the rest of the winter may be the only legal option for many people. The reasons for this are numerous, but one of the most serious considerations is that if people keep wild amphibians in captivity they can be exposed to diseases they may transmit back to their wild counterparts, especially if other reptiles or amphibians have been kept on-site in the past.