Hellbender

About

How hellbender lives

Hellbenders are fully aquatic salamanders that hide under rocks in cool, oxygen-rich streams. Their wrinkled skin increases surface area for absorbing oxygen from water. River species are shaped by changing water levels, flowing currents, and narrow migration paths.

Conservation

Status and habitat pressure

Vulnerable species face mounting risks and can decline quickly if habitats continue to shrink. Protecting hellbender also depends on keeping rivers habitats healthy and connected.

Vulnerable species can decline quickly when habitat loss, climate pressure, or human conflict intensifies.

Quick Facts

Things to notice

• Their wrinkled skin increases surface area for absorbing oxygen from water.
• Many amphibians begin life in water and later develop features for life on land.
• River species are shaped by changing water levels, flowing currents, and narrow migration paths.
• Vulnerable species face mounting risks and can decline quickly if habitats continue to shrink.