While the Smokies are always beautiful, the scenery serves a higher purpose, for it provides a home for all kinds of creatures. While a lot of them may live on land, some of them inhabit the various creeks and waterfalls in the area. One of the most popular aquatic animals here is the salamander. Read on to discover some fascinating things to know about salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains:
1. Smaller Salamanders Have A Fast Tongue
While big salamanders ambush their prey, smaller species use their tongue to catch prey, such as insects, worms, and spiders. Once they have their eye on a creature, a salamander's muscles will quickly contract which causes the hyoid bone to protrude. This body part acts as a suspense mechanism for the tongue. The salamander can then extend and withdraw its tongue in just 20 milliseconds. As for the structure, a salamander tongue can be as long as 2 inches. It has a fork shape and is very sticky!
2. Salamanders Cannot Regulate Internal Body Temperature On Their Own
Salamanders can not regulate their internal body temperature on their own. This is because they are cold-blooded. They rely on the environment to carry out this important function. As for the outside of their bodies, they have very sensitive skin and it is very absorbent. Salamanders produce a mucus that covers their skin, but they are still very susceptible to toxins and pollution. The National Park Service works hard to ensure that the Great Smoky Mountains remain a healthy environment for both wildlife and the people who visit every day!
3. Some Species Breathe Through Their Skin
Salamanders can breathe in different ways. They hatch in water, so they have gills at birth. If they live on land, salamanders will later develop lungs and lose their gills as they get older. Other species don’t have lungs or gills. So, how do they breathe? It may surprise you to discover that salamanders without lungs can breathe through their skin. They “breathe” when carbon dioxide and oxygen are exchanged in their blood vessels and spread onto the skin. This process is called cutaneous respiration.
4. You Can Find Salamanders at Grotto Falls
There are over 30 species of salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains. When hiking, you can find salamanders at many creeks, streams, and waterfalls, one of the best is Grotto Falls. The trail is considered easy in difficulty, as it is only 2.6 miles. Just be sure to proceed with caution along the slippery rocks. Salamanders can be hard to spot because they make minimal or no noise, but if you do find a salamander on your Grotto Falls hike, refrain from picking them up and do your best to put back any overturned rocks exactly as you found them.
Now you know some fascinating facts and features about salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains. If you love Grotto Falls, there are many other waterfalls to hike to. Explore our other list of unique waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains.
