By Danielle Smith, Keystone State News Connection
The Eastern hellbender, North America’s largest salamander and Pennsylvania’s state amphibian, is one step closer to receiving federal protection.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing listing the species as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Kassie Fenn, Pennsylvania student leadership and education coordinator for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, said their student leadership program’s research and advocacy efforts led to the Eastern hellbender becoming Pennsylvania’s state amphibian in 2019. She added protecting ecosystems and habitats for the hellbender will also protect habitats for other organisms.
“It’s really important for the Eastern hellbender to make it on the endangered species list,” Fenn emphasized. “Not only will it draw attention to the hellbender habitat, but it will also draw attention to freshwater habitats in general, and the importance of clean water and the impact it has on ecosystems.”
Fenn pointed out the public has until Tuesday, Feb. 11, to submit comments. She noted the Chesapeake Bay Foundation recommends people sign its online letter, while high school students can draft their own. Comments can be submitted online.
Fenn highlighted the strong link between the Eastern hellbender and water quality, especially in relation to outdoor recreation.
“A lot of anglers in Pennsylvania love to fish for trout, either through fly-fishing or with their spinning rods,” Fenn observed. “Trout really need those clean waterways and healthy waterways to survive and thrive, just like our Eastern hellbender.”
Eastern hellbenders can grow up to 29 inches and have been known to live 30 years. Fenn said evidence shows the Eastern hellbender inhabits certain streams, particularly in western Pennsylvania, although its historical range is much broader, extending into the southeastern United States.
The post Eastern Hellbender, PA’s State Amphibian, Faces Endangered-Species Protection appeared first on BCTV.
Source: bctv
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