Creature Feature: On the Edge

May 01, 2025| Education, Environment

By: Patrick Krudop

It’s time for another edition of Creature Feature, your monthly peek into the wild side of Lake Hopatcong and beyond! This month, we're turning our spotlight to some of the region’s most vulnerable residents—our endangered species. These rare and often overlooked creatures call our local wetlands, forests, and waterways home, and many are closer to disappearing than we might think. Stick around as we uncover a few hidden gems of New Jersey’s wildlife and learn how our everyday choices can help protect them—right here in our own backyard.

One of the most important things you can do to help the survival of these endangered species is to first be aware of them. Awareness of their habitat, their lifestyle, and their needs can help you avoid disturbing them. For more information on any of these species, and for the complete list of endangered and threatened species in New Jersey, visit the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s site here. Now, let's get into this month’s highlighted creatures!

Brook Floater Mussel

The Brook Floater Mussel (Alasmidonta varicosa) might not be the flashiest creature in the water, but it’s definitely one of the most fascinating! This freshwater mussel is native to the northeastern U.S. and has been found in some of the cleaner, fast-flowing streams and rivers of New Jersey—including the Musconetcong River, which originates as the outlet of Lake Hopatcong. Unlike clams or other bivalves you might spot at the shore, the brook floater lives entirely in freshwater and has a more oval-shaped, somewhat inflated shell that’s usually a light brown or greenish color, with subtle ridges that resemble veins.

What makes the brook floater especially unique is its delicate way of life. It relies on clean, oxygen-rich water and very specific host fish to complete its life cycle—usually depositing its larvae (called glochidia) onto the gills of certain fish species before they eventually drop off and settle into the streambed. Because of this, anything that impacts local water quality, like pollution or sediment from construction, can threaten its survival. Sadly, due to habitat loss and declining water conditions, the brook floater is now listed as endangered in New Jersey.

The good news? There are small things we can all do to help. Avoid using fertilizers or pesticides near streams and storm drains, pick up pet waste, and support conservation efforts that protect local watersheds. Planting native vegetation along streambanks can help reduce erosion and keep sediment out of mussel habitats. It might not seem like much, but for creatures like the brook floater, every clean drop counts!

Bog Turtle

The Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) may be North America's smallest turtle, but don’t let its size fool you—this tiny reptile is mighty! Measuring only about 4 inches long when fully grown, Bog Turtles are easy to miss, especially since they spend most of their time hidden in wetlands and mucky meadows. They’re best recognized by the bright orange or yellow patches on either side of their neck, which stand out against their dark, domed shells—almost like little safety vests!

Around Lake Hopatcong, the habitat these turtles rely on— open, spongy wetlands—is becoming increasingly rare. As development expands and wetlands are drained or overgrown by invasive plants, Bog Turtles are losing the spaces they need to feed, nest, and hibernate. This has landed them on the federal endangered species list and made them one of the most heavily protected reptiles in the region. Unlike other turtles that might bask on logs or wander through backyards, Bog Turtles tend to stay put in their specialized habitats, making the preservation of those wetlands absolutely critical.

So what can the average person do to help? Avoid dumping yard waste or chemicals near marshy areas, and if you're lucky enough to live near turtle habitat, leave it undisturbed and free of heavy mowing or off-road vehicle traffic. Supporting local land trusts or organizations that protect and manage wetlands is also a great start.  And of course, if you ever see a turtle in the wild—Bog Turtle or not—it’s best to admire from a distance. Sometimes, the best way to help is by simply letting nature be.

Blue-Spotted Salamander

The blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale) might not be a creature you see every day, as it’s one of New Jersey’s more secretive amphibians—and a real gem if you’re lucky enough to spot one. These salamanders are typically around 4 to 5 inches long, with dark bluish-black bodies speckled in pale blue spots that give them their name. They spend most of their lives hidden under logs, leaf litter, or underground, emerging mainly at night during the early spring to breed in vernal pools—those temporary, fish-free ponds that pop up after snowmelt and spring rains.

In areas around Lake Hopatcong, the blue-spotted salamander depends on healthy, undisturbed woodlands with access to clean, seasonal wetlands. Unfortunately, habitat fragmentation, pollution, and the filling or draining of vernal pools have made life a lot harder for these shy amphibians. They’re considered endangered in New Jersey, and in some places, hybridization with other salamanders, like the Jefferson salamander, has also impacted their population genetics, making it even more challenging to track their numbers.

Want to lend a hand to our spotted amphibious friends? One of the best things you can do is support the conservation of wooded areas and seasonal wetlands. If you hike in early spring, be mindful of where you step—especially around wet, low-lying areas that may be full of eggs or migrating salamanders. Avoid using pesticides or dumping anything near forested pools and consider participating in local amphibian crossing projects if you know of spots where salamanders migrate across roads. Sometimes, being a hero for wildlife just means slowing down and staying aware.

At Lake Hopatcong and throughout New Jersey, we have the power to help these endangered species- just like the bald eagle, which just made it off the endangered species list this year! Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about local wildlife there’s always something new to discover about the fascinating creatures that call Lake Hopatcong home. Every footprint, from the tiniest to the largest, helps shape the vibrant life of our lake, and even the smallest presence can have a big impact.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about some of the endangered species we have at Lake Hopatcong and northern New Jersey. Perhaps this article has inspired you to explore the wonders of nature further, whether by reading a book, visiting a website, or simply stepping outside! If you have any wildlife photos from Lake Hopatcong, or if there’s a critter you’d like to see featured in an upcoming Creature Feature, please send your submissions to info@lakehopatcongfoundation.org. See you next time!