Your feelings on the salamander and their purpose on earth are both touching and very inspirational to me. It’s truly wonderful that this unique creature has afforded you such a contentment and peace. I simply had no idea that they held such a place in the lore of Christianity and in fact, religion in general.
I don’t think that I have ever seen one of these singular amphibians “up close and personal” in my entire (60 year) life. Prior to this had I met one, I might have had a different impression, but thanks to the generous sharing of your knowledge I know that will no longer be the case.
Well, it took almost dying to slow me down and make me look at things very differently so in an odd way, I’m grateful for the experience.
Where you live there should be salamanders *everywhere*.
Here is what comes up for your area:
Salamanders & Newts
Western Lesser Siren (Siren intermedia nettingi)
Gulf Coast Waterdog (Necturus beyeri)
Red River Waterdog (Necturus louisianensis)
Two-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma means)
Three-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma tridactylum)
Eastern Spotted Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)
Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)
Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum)
Mole Salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum)
Small-mouthed Salamander (Ambystoma texanum)
Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)
Southern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus auriculatus)
Spotted Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus conanti)
Southern Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea cirrigera)
Three-lined Salamander (Eurycea guttolineata)
Dwarf Salamander (Eurycea quadridigitata)
Four-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum)
Louisiana Slimy Salamander (Plethodon kisatchie)
Mississippi Slimy Salamander (Plethodon mississippi)
Southern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon serratus)
Webster’s Salamander (Plethodon websteri)
Gulf Coast Mud Salamander (Pseudotriton montanus
flavissimus)
Southern Red Salamander (Pseudotriton ruber vioscai
[you have Marbled and Tiger salamanders there! They’re 2 of the largest land species and make great pets]
With any luck, you’ll find out where they’re living and get to meet one up close and personal, yourself...:)