Hellbender salamanders used to be common in streams across Kentucky, but their numbers have been on the decline in recent years. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Kentucky tested a new way of detecting these amphibians to try and pinpoint exactly where in the commonwealth they can still be found.

The sampling method tested in the new study involves collecting environmental DNA – also known as eDNA – to detect trace amounts of genetic material from the hellbenders along streambeds.

Sarah Tomke was the project's lead researcher. She said the idea to test this new detection method on hellbenders was prompted and supported by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources due to a lack of information about the species.

"We really haven't known very much abou

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