NEWCASTLE, Wash. - A crew from the Newcastle Public Works Department got quite a surprise recently when they discovered two Pacific giant salamanders.

The species is rare to begin with, and the creatures are usually very elusive and come out only at night to avoid predators. Even more interesting, they actually bark when threatened making a noise similar to a dog.

The creatures, which are the largest salamander species in North America, can grow up to 14 inches long. They usually are found near streams on forest floors, and range from coastal California north to southwestern British Columbia.

The Newcastle crew allowed the salamanders to go about their business, and has even come up with a new way to make sure these creatures are protected, said Newcastle city spokesman Doug Alder.

During the month of October, the city of Newcastle will work with a volunteer group to install storm drain markers across the city with the message "No Dumping, Drains to River".

The markers will have two different logos, one with a salmon and the other with the giant salamander.