Rare salamanders spotted in S.C. after Helene, wildfire

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - For the first time in 30 years, Greenville Water says it has documented rare green salamanders in the Table Rock Watershed. Officials say these salamanders are environmentally sensitive, staying deep within rock crevices and requiring very specific habitats to survive. They were located in areas directly impacted by Hurricane Helene and the Table Rock Complex Fire in 2025. Development over the years has threatened the green salamander’s natural habitats, contributing to their status as a species of conservation concern in South Carolina. Their presence is an encouraging indicator of the recovery and resilience of these habitats.According to officials, the salamanders’ presence is a great sign for the quality of local drinking water, as healthy habitats support more than just wildlife. “Discoveries like this reinforce the impact of privately owned watersheds, not just for the wildlife living there, but also for the water we provide to our community,” Green