[2] The red-cheeked salamander is a uniform steely grey colour with conspicuous red, orange or yellow patches on the side of the head.

Another defensive strategy is the autotomisation of its tail, which may leave the predator a tasty morsel while the salamander flees.

The population of the species appears to be stable, but the area of its range is less than 5,000 square kilometres (1,900 sq mi).

Balancing this, it is common in many locations, tolerates forestry disturbance and lives completely within the confines of the national park.

The main threats may be acid rain, climate change and the damage to forests caused by the balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae).