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How do salamanders survive freezing temperatures?

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Study an amphibious tiger salamander of the mole salamander family Ambystomatidae in its natural habitat — Caudata Tiger salamanders (*Ambystoma tigrinum*) are widespread across much of the United States. Although they are generally black with yellow blotches, bars, spots, or even stripes, some are lighter in colour or have olive markings. Tiger salamanders belong to the mole salamander family, Ambystomatidae.

To survive freezing temperatures, salamanders—which are ectotherms whose body temperatures depend on their environment—employ behavioral and physiological strategies to avoid the lethal effects of extreme cold.12

Rather than attempting to remain active, salamanders enter a state of dormancy during the winter months. They seek out protective, stable niches where they can aggregate in large numbers to conserve heat and moisture. Common overwintering sites include:2

Rotting logs2
Mud on the banks or bottoms of marshes and ponds2
Springs2
Subterranean retreats or caves3

Physiologically, some ectotherms can alter their body chemistry to restrict the formation of ice crystals within their cells and tissues. They may produce cryoprotectants—such as sugars, sugar alcohols, or specific proteins—that lower the freezing point of their body fluids. While these adaptations are well-documented in various ectothermic species, salamanders primarily rely on finding thermal refuges to escape the most severe freezing conditions.12