How To Spot Indiana Mudpuppies And Report A Sighting

Mudpuppy might sound like a joke name, but it is actually the common name for a real and fascinating salamander found right here in Indiana. According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, biologists are actively tracking mudpuppy sightings across the state, and they are asking Hoosiers to help.

What Mudpuppies Are And Why Indiana DNR Is Tracking Them

Mudpuppies are fully aquatic salamanders that spend their entire lives underwater. Unlike many amphibians, they are active year-round, but winter is actually one of the best times to spot them.

Why Winter Can Be The Best Time To Spot Mudpuppies

DNR says mudpuppies often move into shallow lake waters during colder months and are most frequently seen or accidentally caught while fishing in January and February. Some people also spot them at night along seawalls using a flashlight.

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How To Identify A Mudpuppy In Indiana Waters

In Indiana, mudpuppies are considered a species of special concern when it comes to population conservation. They can grow up to about 16 inches long and feed on small fish, crayfish, and insect larvae. One unique feature is their external gills, which look like feathery red tufts on the sides of their heads. They also have a dark stripe or mask that runs from the gills across the eyes toward the nose.

Are Mudpuppies Dangerous Or An Indication of Good Water Quality

Despite their somewhat slimy appearance, mudpuppies are not venomous or poisonous. Their slime and their bite are harmless to people. In fact, seeing a mudpuppy is often a good sign. They tend to live in clean, healthy water, so their presence can indicate good water quality.

How To Report A Mudpuppy Sighting To Indiana DNR

If you happen to see or catch a mudpuppy, DNR asks that you cut the fishing line and release the animal unharmed. If possible, take a photo and email it along with the date and location of the sighting to the state herpetologist at HerpSurveys@dnr.IN.gov.

Your sighting could help researchers better understand and protect one of Indiana’s most unusual amphibians.

12 Animals You Might Encounter on the Water in Indiana

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is looking for Paddlecraft Index Volunteers for its summer program. The organization hopes to track and monitor various species in and around Indiana waterways. Below are 12 key species that DNR says are particularly challenging to study. They say these are species that are easy for paddlers to recognize, and hope to gain more information about them through the program.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals

Animals You Might Encounter in The Wild in Indiana

There is no shortage of stunning wildlife in Indiana. Here are six species native to the state that you might encounter the next time you head outside.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals