Shockingly enough, it is estimated that each year, 20% of undetermined fires in the United States are caused by rodents from chewing electrical wires (Illinois Department of Health, 2012). Each year, millions of dollars are spent to extinguish fires and repair the damage they cause. In their adult stage, the California Tiger Salamander is a voracious predator which eats baby rodents such as mice and rats. This salamander is working behind the scenes to keep us safe in ways never considered. I bet you’ve never felt grateful for a salamander before! I guess it’s time to start!