Indiana’s wildlife still holds surprises—like the 2004 discovery of the mole salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum) in a Posey County bald cypress swamp, marking the species’ first-ever record in the state. This isolated, disjunct population sits far north of the salamander’s typical southeastern range, raising fascinating questions about ancient distributions and survival. What does this hidden amphibian reveal about Indiana’s past—and its conservation future?

Indiana winters can be brutal, but our reptiles are built for it. Snakes, lizards, and turtles survive freezing temperatures by entering brumation, a dormancy similar to hibernation. From rocky crevices and burrows to muddy pond bottoms, these animals rely on shelter and biology to make it through the cold months.

By Jim Horton As summer temperatures soar across Indiana, a quiet shift takes place in the rhythms of the state’s cold-blooded residents....