Length 4 3/4 – 6 3/4 in. (12-17 cm). The Northern Slimy Salamander mainly inhabits the unglaciated eastern and southern portion of the state and some areas near the glacial border. Here it likes to hide under or in rotting logs and stumps. Although entirely land-dwelling, it prefers a damp habitat. Moisture is essential for all lungless salamanders. It breathes by means of its moist skin and the lining of the mouth cavity. The Northern Slimy Salamander is appropriately named. Its skin secretions are exceptionally slimy. When handled, the secretions dry on hands as a dark film that is very difficult to wash off. These secretions deter would-be predators, such as a ring-necked snake.
Text courtesy of the Ohio Division of Wildlife: https://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/wildlife/pdfs/publications/id%20guides/pub348.pdf
