What lives in springs?
Springs are not sterile. Permanent spring dwellers are those plants and animals which require cool (less than 70 degree F.) constant temperature water of more than usual clarity, and often high oxygen levels. Among these are water snails, amphipods, isopods crawfish, salamanders, sculpin (a fish) and beaver. During hot weather, many animals seek relief in the cooler temperature of the water. River otter, rainbow and brown trout are introduced species which thrive in springs; several major springs are fish hatcheries and fishing resorts based on trout. People have used them as permanent water sources, refrigeration, and watercress farms. The underground streams which feed the springs are home to several species of rare and protected cave animals, such as blind, albino fish and crawfish.
