MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to report any observations of mudpuppies they may accidentally catch while fishing this winter with the species potentially declining across the state.
Data collected from these sightings will help determine the distribution and range of the species statewide.
Mudpuppies are Wisconsin's only fully aquatic salamander and can be found in streams, rivers, ponds and lakes year-round. Due to their elusive behavior, surveying can be difficult and labor-intensive. However, because mudpuppies can be a common accidental catch during the winter ice-fishing season, officials are hoping that anglers will share their mudpuppy observations with the DNR this winter.
