The hellbender is the largest species of salamander in the eastern United States. It spends most of its time under rocks and stream debris where its flattened body and dull colors make it nearly impossible to see. Here it waits patiently for its next meal to pass by. It breathes by absorbing oxygen directly from the water through its wrinkled skin. The wrinkles give the hellbender more surface area to absorb greater amounts of oxygen. IUCN status is near threatened. Populations are declining. All amphibians are at risk due to factors such as habitat destruction, pollution and diseases such as ranavirus and chytrid fungus.
Range
Mountains and foothills of eastern United States
Habitat
Slow-moving waterways with muddy bottoms
Diet
Aquatic insects, crustaceans, worms and fish
