Meet the Marbled Salamander

• Of all creatures great and small, a little amphibian, the salamander, is the one with the greatest collective biomass in all of WNC.

• There are an estimated 500 species of salamanders. This one is known for being a bit stocky and very secretive, preferring to hide out underneath logs as much as possible.

• The color bands on female marbled salamanders are mostly gray, with the males sporting a whiter stripe.

• Most marbled salamanders that die a natural death do so around ages eight to 10.

• Unlike many salamanders, marbled salamanders aren’t poisonous.

• Grandfather Mountain will host a Salamanders of Grandfather field course Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The course is free with regular admission; visit grandfather.com for details.