‘Positive discovery’: 2 healthy hellbenders found in creek following East Palestine train derailment
Ohio officials say there’s a good sign when it comes to water quality following the train derailment in East Palestine.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, along with partners from Ohio EPA and The Ohio State University, found two healthy hellbender salamanders in North Fork Little Beaver Creek. The state is calling it a “positive discovery.”
Hellbenders are considered an “indicator species” because their presence or absence in a body of water is an indicator of the health of the ecosystem, according to the update from the state on March 17.
The state said the amphibians, which are endangered, can only survive in cool, clean water.
One hellbender found this week was estimated to be 7 years old, and the other was a juvenile. Both were released back into North Fork Little Beaver Creek.
The hellbender is Ohio’s largest amphibian and could live more than 60 years.
Previous coverage: Vinyl chloride: What we know about the toxic chemical released at East Palestine train derailment
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