elevation woodland habitats over high elevation rock faces. This is likely due to the cooler environment associated with elevated altitudes, which reduces the salamander's general activity levels. The ocoee salamander was used as a study subject to measure the impact of stress on feeding behavior. Stress was induced either by 1) repeated handling, or 2) CORT glucocorticoid hormone administered via a dermal patch. Both stressful conditions led to reduced feeding in females, and reduced activity and body weight in both sexes compared to a control group. Predators It is preyed upon by birds, snakes, and even another species of salamander. The ocoee salamander has developed many different anti-predator defenses to use in different situations. When approached by a predator it may remain immobile, but is more likely to flee when it encounters the Spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus). The salamanders are also prone to autotomizing the tail to avoid an attack. When attacked by a snake, ocoee salamanders writhe about and try to bite the snake on the head. Mating Pheromones Pheromonal communication is very common in salamanders, newts, and even in some frogs and toads. Pheromones are chemosensory stimuli that are used to signal information between individuals of the same species. In vertebrates, there are two types of pheromones. Releasing pheromones are usually peptides and proteins that influence behaviors (such as male-female or male-male interactions) through neural systems that detect and process pheromones. Priming pheromones modify the endocrine system or the psychological mood of the individual. Usually, these different types of pheromones exist as a mixture, so they have complex behavioral and psychological effects. Pheromones from other individuals are detected by the chemosensory receptors on the vomeronasal organ and main olfactory epithelium. Chemosensory cues such as pheromones play an important role in mating because they bring males and females together in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. These cues can signal a variety of information to others in the surrounding area, including the species, sex, and the reproductive condition of the individual. Once suitable partners have been attracted, these cues can also help determine mate quality. Courting Sexually active adults use a variety of tools to court each other before copulation occurs. As is common in the plethodontids, a female is exposed to tactile, chemical, and visual stimuli presented by the male. The females will also signal attraction through chemical cues, reduced tendencies to flee from courting males, and a willingness