NORTH CAROLINA – Watch out if you are headed to the Great Smoky Mountains anytime soon.

• The National Park Service says that the red-cheeked salamander has some "superpower" defense mechanisms that "protect it from predators."
• The species, also known as Jordan’s Salamander, is found exclusively in the Smokies in higher elevations.
• Though poisionious to other animals, salamanders are not dangerous to humans in general, it is recommended that you do not touch or approach them.

According to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Facebook, the red-cheeked samalander (which is exclusive to the Smokies) has some “superpower” defense mechanisms that “protect it from predators.”

The post reads, “When attacked, this salamander can bite back and will release poisonous slime from the base of its tail. In addition, this salamander can drop its tail as a distraction, allowing for escape. What salamander superpower would you want to have?”

According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the species, also known as Jordan’s Salamander, is found exclusively in the Smokies in higher elevations.

Though poisonous to other animals, salamanders are not dangerous to humans in general, it is recommended that you do not touch or approach them.