A slippery issue
If you hadn't figured it out yet, the News & Record editorial board staunchly supports the Neuse River waterdog as the official state amphibian, not the leading contender, the bullfrog.
The waterdogs, a type of salamander, is unique to the state. There's nothing special about bullfrogs. They're everywhere.
The experts agree. Alvin Braswell, curator for amphibians and reptiles at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, tells the News & Observer of Raleigh (registration required) that the bullfrog is hardly unique to North Carolina, and, even worse, it carries a fungus that kills other amphibians. .
"It is a big frog, grows rapidly, is highly vocal, doesn't live long and eats anything they can stuff in their mouth," Braswell told the N&O.
So there you have it. Frogs or waterdogs. Another slippery moral and ethical dilemma for our lawmakers.
But will they have the political courage to do the right thing?
Comments (3)
To report abuse of the comment feature on this site, please use the feedback form at the bottom of any page.
I support Coach K for state amphibian.
Posted on May 2, 2007 3:20 PM
Any living thing that can still actually survive in the Neuse River has my vote and is an inspiration to us all.
Posted on May 3, 2007 9:29 AM
You people that support the waterdogs over the bullfrog sound like you are probably rich, brat, elitists from north High Point. Your jewelry isn't enough. Your Mercedes isn't enough, you snobs.
Posted on May 3, 2007 9:52 AM