Hellbender? What is a
Can be brown, olive or rusty colored, sometimes with spots that help it blend in with the stream bed.
PA’s state amphibian since 2019
Wrinkles in skin increase surface area for absorbing oxygen.
Flat head and body shape ideal for fitting under large rocks and other small places.
Long, flat tail offers boost for swimming and as a rudder for turning.
Hellbender drawing by Rob Lang at Underdone Comics.com
Due to odd looks and our misconceptions, has many nicknames such as snot otter, lasagna sides, mud devil, devil dog, Allegheny alligator, grampus and mudpuppy.
A mostly nocturnal species that rarely comes out of its den except to hunt for food. It is not aggressive, poisonous or bad for waterways.
Photo by Isaac Szabo
Hellbenders live under large rocks at the bottom of clean waterways. These are essential elements for their survival. They are considered a key water quality indicator species because of this.
Its favorite food is the crayfish, although it can eat a wide variety of smaller aquatic species.
It is the largest salamander in our
Its existence predates most other species and an individual hellbender can live 30-50 years when conditions are right. www.middlesusquehannariverkeeper.org/hellbenders.html
country, measuring up to 30 inches and 4-5 pounds.
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