Herpetofauna: One Life's List

Desmognathus fuscus santeetlah
Santeetlah Dusky Salamander

Sevier Co., Tennessee
May 30, 2000

"What the heck is this?" A good question. We had stopped on the way home from South Carolina and were salamandering up in the Great Smoky Mountains, and this creature was found next to a gorgeous, tumbling stream along with some Northern Dusky Salamanders.  Northern Dusky it wasn't though, with that dark brownish-greenish coloration, flattened tail and small reddish spots.  Later at home, rested and with field guide and maps at hand, I narrowed it down to the Santeetlah Salamander, and I believe I'll stick to that.