[1] The Mount Lyell salamander is endemic to the western slopes of the central and southern Sierra Nevada of California, United States, encompassing a range of approximately 7,002 mi almost entirely within national forests.

[7] For example, these salamanders can receive their water intake simply by nestling under flat rocks and dirt where snowmelt seeps in or sprays from waterfalls.

[4] While specifics are not known, it is believed the Mount Lyell salamander females lay 6-14 eggs in deep rock crevices during the fall, which they guard until hatching in spring or early summer.

[5] It is believed that predators of the Mount Lyell salamanders include birds, snakes, and mammals that typically feed on similar species.

[6] In addition, the salamander will raise its head and tail when faced with danger and simultaneously lean its body downwards, likely as an intimidation tactic to appear larger.

[8] The salamander is also unlike most others for its lack of lungs, as well as its natural sticky toxin that can be found on its skin and cause a temporary blindness if it makes contact with human eyes.

[3] When threatened, the species maintains a coiled position for longer than other salamanders so that, when dropped onto their naturally steep habitat, they can effectively and quickly roll away.