Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)

Listed as a species of Special Concern in North Carolina, Hellbender populations have been declining in recent years.
Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
Western North Carolina
8 Sep 2012

Incredible animals, these aquatic salamanders live in fast flowing mountain streams in NC. Note the wrinkles along the side of the body. The extra skin flaps are believed to be used to help them increase their surface area for "breathing".

Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
Western North Carolina
8 Sep 2012

The above photo and this photo were taken through a plexiglass-bottomed bucket of the Hellbender crawling along the river bottom. Above photo used a flash, while this one is natural lighting.

Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
Western North Carolina
8 Sep 2012

Hellbender in the plexiglass bucket.

Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
Western North Carolina
8 Sep 2012

Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
Western North Carolina
8 Sep 2012

Releasing him (her?) back into the river.

Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
Western North Carolina
8 Sep 2012

Back home. This Hellbender was approximately 16 inches long.

Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
Western North Carolina
8 Sep 2012

Thanks to Jeff Beane (in the background) Jeff Pippen has his first Hellbender!



Created on ... 9 Sep, 2012 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com