Wtf is this near my back door?

[FrankReynolds]

Got basement level garden and back door, husband noticed something moving near door mat and found a small creature. What it is and why is my house suddenly Chester fucking Zoo?

I think it’s a mini dragon.

Looks like a newt.

A newt maybe?

Is it a newt? Can you get a better pic of the tail?

Where ish are you?

Smooth newt

I think it's a newt

Apologies for rhyming but how cute!

A newt, they are lovely.

It's a newt - he needs a pond or at least some damp vegetation

@Veterinari

It's a newt - he needs a pond or at least some damp vegetation

Not necessarily. Op said basement so probably damp ish. Newts spend most of their time NOT in a pond, and really only go into the pond to made or lay eggs. Often they live in walls, tree roots etc.

It's a newt, aren't some a protected species now?

It's probably out to mate.

Newt.

www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2020/02/british-newt-id/

It's either a lizard or a newt; they are both native and both protected. It can't hurt you. Just gently move it to the garden.

It’s a smooth newt, they are not protected, it’s the great crested newt that is protected. If it’s trapped, move it somewhere it will have cover and be able to move elsewhere safely. Like in dense vegetation.

Why is the newt you have bigger than the newt I have?

Because it's my newt.

I'm here all week...

We're in the North West, our garden backs onto allotments so I'm hoping he's just lost his way. I really don't want him getting comfy and staying. Do they live in houses? The basement was renovated by previous owners so it's a liveable space, we use it for storage.

Husband has confirmed, the visitor has left via the back door. I'm not a small animal/reptile person I'm afraid

@FrankReynolds

Husband has confirmed, the visitor has left via the back door. I'm not a small animal/reptile person I'm afraid

It, or one of its friends, will almost certainly be back. There’s never just one newt.

We have loads at the bottom of our garden (along with some ginormous toads) and they tend to come in waves, though I’ve not seen any since I last saw the cat eating one.

They eat slugs and beetles! Newts are your friends!

Oh no has husband killed it??!!

@TheNestedIf

Why is the newt you have bigger than the newt I have?

Because it's my newt.

I'm here all week...

Large comedy hook....

@YouKnowItsTrue

Oh no has husband killed it??!!

What? Surely not, that's not what OP meant is it? 😱

@TheBabyAteMyBrain

It's a newt, aren't some a protected species now?

It's probably out to mate.

A newt looking for luuurrrrvvveeeeeee OP!

I work for the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environment Management.Thanks for posting, as they are a protected species you will have to vacate the premises and be re-housed.Failure to do so could result in a £10,000 fine.

No need to thank me.

What a cutie! Like an teeny tiny toothless!

Oh lucky you.