and environment.
(6) Pennsylvania has had a history of poor water quality
due to pollution and other elements.
(7) The Eastern hellbender is considered a species of
special concern in this Commonwealth and in New York.
(8) The Eastern hellbender is listed as endangered in
Maryland, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana and is considered
threatened in Alabama.
(9) The Eastern hellbender population is drastically
declining due to poor water quality in Pennsylvania's rivers
and streams.
(10) The Eastern hellbender has been historically found
in nearly every western county in Pennsylvania; however,
recent studies show approximately half of those counties no
longer support the species.
(11) Due to the Eastern hellbender's sensitivity and
status as an indicator species, it proves to be a positive
symbol for water quality efforts in Pennsylvania.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Official State amphibian.
The Eastern hellbender is selected, designated and adopted as
the official amphibian of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Section 2. Effective date.
This act shall take effect immediately.
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