Back to Story
FILE - The Watauga River, where eastern hellbender salamanders are released, runs near Boone, N.C., June 26, 2024. This area is about 12 miles from the dam where the salamanders are collected. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

FILE - The Watauga River, where eastern hellbender salamanders are released, runs near Boone, N.C., June 26, 2024. This area is about 12 miles from the dam where the salamanders are collected. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

FILE - Hannah Woodburn holds an eastern hellbender salamander near its cage, where it will stay for 48 to 60 hours after relocation, on the Watauga River near Boone, N.C., June 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

FILE - Hannah Woodburn holds an eastern hellbender salamander near its cage, where it will stay for 48 to 60 hours after relocation, on the Watauga River near Boone, N.C., June 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)