Biodiversity: Amphibians

The common mudpuppy, also known as a waterdog, is a large, freshwater salamander species native to eastern North America and found in the northern parts of Alabama. It spends its entire life in the waters of ponds, lakes, rivers, and creeks, occupying shallow water in fall and spring and deeper waters in winter and summer. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller, it prefers thick vegetation, rocks, or logs to hide under during the day and as it preys on insects, mollusks, and earthworms using its keen sense of smell.

The mudpuppy derives its "waterdog" nickname from the red external gills on the sides of its head, which might look similar to a dog's ears. It has a flat, reddish brown to black body with a square head, wide tail, and short legs. Its underside is colored white to gray. Juvenile individuals have distinct spots and stripes, but these fade as the salamander matures. You will only find this salamander in groups during mating season, as it is a solitary animal.