no photo — written note
Animals
A fully aquatic salamander that keeps its maroon external gills for life, sometimes hooked by winter anglers.
Field facts
HabitatRivers, reservoirs, rocky lake bottoms
RangeStatewide in larger waters
When to lookYear-round; most active in cold months
StatusLeast Concern (Indiana DNR / IUCN Red List)
Look-alikesHellbender — much larger, wrinkled skin, no external gills
Field note: It breathes with feathery gills all its life, never leaving water.
Lesson
Watching responsibly
If caught by hook, unhook gently in the water and release; they are harmless.
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