Help the Hellbender

Close up of young Hellbender face in tank.

Screen shot of Eastern Hellbender vs Mudpuppy identification video.

Learn About This Giant Salamander

The eastern hellbender is North America’s largest salamander and a vital indicator of freshwater stream health. This elusive, fully aquatic amphibian plays a key role in river ecosystems but faces serious threats from habitat loss, pollution, and declining water quality. Learn more about the biology, behavior, and conservation challenges of this remarkable species and why protecting it matters.

What is a Hellbender

Stream in winter sharing habitat degradation that is a challenge to the hellbenders.

Saving the Hellbender Together

The eastern hellbender is disappearing from our streams and most people don’t even know it’s there. This giant salamander is a vital part of healthy river ecosystems, but habitat loss, pollution, and declining water quality are pushing it toward extinction. Learn why this secretive species needs urgent help and how your actions can make a difference.

Why They Need Help

Scientists Working Together

Research helps the Hellbender conservation community determine which methods are useful for improving rearing conditions and post-release survival for our captive-reared Hellbenders. This allows us to focus efforts into more effective methods, both improving the quality of life for our captive animals while also improving the success of our releases, while discarding less effective methods. The result is a more successful and efficient system that saves both time and money over the life of the project.

What We Do

Protect Their Habitat

Protecting the Eastern Hellbender is not just the work of scientists but something we can all take part in. Whether you’re fishing in local streams, tending your backyard, managing farmland or teaching in the classroom, your actions can make a real difference for the health of our rivers and the survival of this incredible species.

What Can We Do

Learn About This Giant Salamander

The eastern hellbender is North America’s largest salamander and a vital indicator of freshwater stream health. This elusive, fully aquatic amphibian plays a key role in river ecosystems but faces serious threats from habitat loss, pollution, and declining water quality. Learn more about the biology, behavior, and conservation challenges of this remarkable species and why protecting it matters.

What is a Hellbender

Saving the Hellbender Together

The eastern hellbender is disappearing from our streams and most people don’t even know it’s there. This giant salamander is a vital part of healthy river ecosystems, but habitat loss, pollution, and declining water quality are pushing it toward extinction. Learn why this secretive species needs urgent help and how your actions can make a difference.

Why They Need Help

Scientists Working Together

Research helps the Hellbender conservation community determine which methods are useful for improving rearing conditions and post-release survival for our captive-reared Hellbenders. This allows us to focus efforts into more effective methods, both improving the quality of life for our captive animals while also improving the success of our releases, while discarding less effective methods. The result is a more successful and efficient system that saves both time and money over the life of the project.

What We Do

Protect Their Habitat

Protecting the Eastern Hellbender is not just the work of scientists but something we can all take part in. Whether you’re fishing in local streams, tending your backyard, managing farmland or teaching in the classroom, your actions can make a real difference for the health of our rivers and the survival of this incredible species.

What Can We Do

State Partners Across the Country

If you have questions about hellbenders or want to get involved in local conservation efforts, this page connects you with state-level representatives who can provide guidance, resources, and support.

State-Level Contacts