Salamanders can bite, although it is rare in most cases. On rare occasion a salamander may nip at a human if it is being handled, as this is quite stressful for the creature. Salamanders typically are known to defend themselves by displaying their colors to predators as a way to try and thwart them off. It also signifies that these creatures are toxic and not safe to ingest. Salamanders generally are harmless to humans and do not have a poisonous bite or anything of that nature. Probably one of the worst things a salamander could do to a human is simply frighten it with its presence.