Raising hellbenders

Researchers aim to bring the reclusive hellbender out of the shadows

Hellbenders are North America's largest native salamander, reaching over two feet in length. But, they need cold, clean and swift-running water to survive, and the species has declined dramatically in recent decades due to threats from water pollution, habitat loss and disease. Research associate Dr. Peter Petokas of Lycoming College in Pennsylvania and graduate student Michelle Herman of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, New York, discuss a new effort to boost numbers of the unique amphibian.

Video Credits

Produced by

Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program

Music:

Blue Dot Sessions via FreeMusicArchive.org

Special thanks to

Dr. Peter Petokas and Michelle Herman