Strange salamander is one of the most unusual creatures in North America

Mudpuppies are one of nature's true mysteries. They are a type of large salamander. In fact, they are the largest salamander in Canada and one of the largest in the United States. They can live an incredible 30 years and can easily reach a length of 13 inches. Some grow even larger. They have lungs and are capable of breathing air, yet they can also get oxygen through their skin in the water. And because they often live in water with low oxygenation, they have external gills that they can spread out to get even more oxygen. They are so capable of breathing underwater that they never actually go on land, which makes them the only completely aquatic salamander.

And if all of that were not enough to make them one of the most fascinating creatures on the continent, they are also most active in the winter. A team of biologists have just put on hip waders and warm clothing to go to a special location in Eastern Ontario where conditions are ideal for mudpuppies.