Giant Whats?

Did you know that there are giant salamanders in the world?

Now, when I think of a salamander, I think of a very small amphibian (rumored to dwell in fire). I do not think of a behemoth lizard-like slimy pebbly gargantua lying quietly in wait for its prey in a rushing Japanese stream. But this is factually the actual situation in several Japanese streams at this very moment!

That's because the largest salamander in the world - the Japanese Giant Salamander - exists. Though this may seem a cause of concern to mothers around the world, I think most are ignorant of this grave threat to their children!

Giant Salamanders are up to 6 feet long, and can weigh more than 55 pounds. That's some frog (salamander)! That's like a dog - only without hair, warm blood, or lungs. There is another species (smaller) in China, and a similar species (smaller still) in the Eastern U.S. called - get this - a hellbender. I think I know my eldest's son's name!

Anyway, any California mothers reading this blog may be heaving sighs of relief - it seems California hasn't got its share of these monsters. Breathe no more, O concerned parents of California, there are accounts of an even larger monster of the deep in Northern California! The Trinity Alps Giant Salamander is reportedly up to 9 feet long.

*shiver*