Ocoee Salamander

The Ocoee Salamander is abundant in the southern Appalachian Mountains, specifically within the Ocoee River watershed. They are commonly found along rocky streams and wet seeps in parts of Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia.

The scientific name for this species is Desmognathus ocoee. It is a member of the lungless salamander family, meaning it breathes entirely through its moist skin instead of using lungs.

These small amphibians forage for tiny invertebrates found in their damp forest habitats. Their diet mostly consists of small insects, spiders, mites, and various insect larvae.

While they live near streams, females typically lay their eggs in moist, hidden terrestrial locations under rocks or logs. The mother stays with the eggs to guard them from predators until they hatch.