Dick,
When I was young waterdogs were infrequently caught in a local river. I have not heard of anyone even seeing one in recent years. Probably due to polution & then after that was taken care of siltation I'm guessing is the cause.
They are found in clear clean water around here. I infrequently find one in trout streams, though I am not looking for them.
My small pond was thick with newts (gilled salamenders) before it was stocked but they were never seen after stocking. Intrestingly they must have survived at some level since the returned in great numbers after I drained & seined the pond.
Here's another link on waterdogs:
http://www.livingunderworld.org/caudata/database/proteidae/
