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Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
Largest Salamander in North America, Hellbenders grow an average of 2 1/2 feet. They have long, wide, flat bodies with mottled skin covered in mucus and is wrinkled, especially along the sides, Their legs are short and toes, 4 on the front, 5 on the back, are stubby and often have pink or cream tips. Hellbender eyes are tiny and their mouths are large. They are often mistaken for Mudpuppies.
Clean, fresh, running water of the Alleghenies and their foothills. There is a subspecies or related species of Hellbender in the Ozarks
This is one of two Hellbnders at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute who were part of a mostly failed reintroduction program attempted by the Buffalo Zoo and the Haudenosaunee of NY. Most who were released where killed by a disease, most likely Chytridiomycosis. The two at RTPI, Oneka and Tweeg, are being used to educate the public on the local wildlife and taking care of our water.
Spotted on Jun 22, 2018
Submitted on Jun 22, 2018
1 Comment
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