Animal Update after the Storm

Hellbenders are an example of a species that need good water quality to survive. Why is this important? Hellbenders have external gills during their larval stage, but around 2 years of age, their gills disappear and they breathe entirely through their skin. A frill, a loose fold of skin, runs from the base of their neck down to their tail on each side of their body to increase surface area. They need clean, oxygen rich water to survive. This makes them a bioindicator for their ecosystem. A bioindicator determines the overall health of an ecosystem. Without access to clean water, their population would not thrive.  

Another animal that relies on clean water is aquatic turtles. Aquatic turtles, like the spotted turtle, live in shallow, clean and slow moving wetlands. This type of ecosystem provides adequate food for the turtles. Thankfully, our friends at Appalachian Wild were able to support the Nature Center’s hellbender, aquatic turtles and newts after Helene. They were able to provide clean water from their well for the animals.

Adaptations are how animals thrive in the wild, and the Nature Center’s animals adapted well to their temporary home. We are thankful to the Nature Center’s staff and Appalachian Wildlife’s staff for keeping the animals’ care and safety top priority. The WNC Nature Center’s animals are resilient, and we all look forward to seeing you when we can reopen!