You can help the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources protect a species found in the waters of Lake Michigan this winter. Mudpuppies, an aquatic salamander, were once a common species in Wisconsin but has been a declining species of late. The DNR is encouraging ice anglers this winter who catch mudpuppies while fishing to take a picture and then release it back into the water while avoiding handling the mudpuppy as much as possible. Lena Carlson, DNR Conservation Biologist, says, "Observations from the public are incredibly valuable. This information will show us where we will need to direct future management efforts to help declining populations." You can send photos and reports of mudpuppy observations to DNRherptiles@wisconsin.gov.

(photo courtesy of Wis-DNR)