Governor Tom Wolf penned Senate Bill 9 in Harrisburg Tuesday designating the Eastern Hellbender as Pennsylvania’s very first state amphibian. It was a major victory for us folks in Lycoming County. The bill was sponsored and crafted by my man Gene Yaw. Our Senator was with Governor Tom, other state officials, members of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and representatives of Lycoming College.

“This is more than just about naming a new symbol for our state,” Yaw said in a statement. “It’s about fostering youth involvement in the legislative process and championing an issue through that process. It’s about advocating for clean water in Pennsylvania and promoting conservation programs that improve water quality for all of our species. If you have Hellbenders in your stream, chances are the water is of very, very good quality.”

Yaw chairs the Environmental Resources and Energy committee. My man gave some major props to Lycoming College’s Clean Water Institute for helping with this project. The Institute is celebrating its 20th year and is comprised of Lycoming College faculty and students. Dr. Mel Zimmerman is the director, and I had him in class. He is a great guy. I don’t personally know Dr. Peter Petokas but I am sure he is pretty cool too. These guys have been researching and closely working with these exotic critters for over 14 years.

The Hellbender is the largest and most unique salamander in North America, attaining body lengths of up to 29 inches. This peculiar and elusive amphibian is also called the Mud Puppy, Lasagna Lizard, and Snot Otter. The species is totally aquatic and inhabits large stream and rivers, feeding solely on crayfish. It is considered as a top-level predator in the aquatic food chain. Hellbenders are also the perfect indicator of good water quality and a diverse habitat.

The Hellbender can be found in cold, clear, swift-running rivers and streams of the Susquehanna watershed. They prefer rocky stream with crevices, which they use for protection for nesting sites. The loss of forested buffers along these waterways resulted in warmer waters and silted streambeds, degrading their habitat and decimating their numbers in streams where they were once plentiful.

I have seen a few of these beauties in their natural settings. It doesn’t happen that often but I will occasionally spot one while fishing. They are very mysterious perhaps even mythical creatures. Once you get past the initial shock of seeing this massive 15-inch lizard by your feet- you will marvel at the elegance of this out of place critter. They are an awesome sight.

I recently stopped by Senator Yaw’s office to thank him for his work with Eastern Hellbender. I also wanted to ask a few questions. So I spoke with one of his assistants.

YES. MR. SPENCER. WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?

I’m working on a story and wanted to touch base with Gene. I’m with the Webb Weekly. He’s a good friend of mine.

I’M SORRY. MR. YAW IS TRAVELING TODAY. DOES HE HAVE YOUR NUMBER?

No. I wouldn’t say that we are that tight. I saw him in church Sunday, and I told him I’d be swinging by. I was wearing a bright pink shirt. He complimented me. Gene and I are friends on Facebook, and he follows me on Instagram. He once wished me Happy Birthday. I could send you a screenshot.

NO THAT’S QUITE OK. I CAN TRY SENDING HIM A NOTE… JAMIE SPENCER. WEBB WEEKLY. SALAMANDER. PINK SHIRT. INSTAGRAM. ANYTHING ELSE?

Yes. My deadline is in an hour, so it’s cool if he doesn’t get back to me. I am still a big fan. Congratulations to the Eastern Hellbender. Cheers.