Eastern Hellbender
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis — Cryptobranchidae
11.5–20 inches North America's largest salamander; record individuals exceed 24 inches
How to identify
- Enormous size, 11.5–24+ inches — unmistakable
- Flattened head and body
- Fleshy skin folds along the sides
- Brown with darker mottling, no bright colors
- Small eyes, fully aquatic
- Found only in fast, rocky mountain streams
About this species
North America's largest salamander and one of only three giant salamander species in the world, the eastern hellbender is a fully aquatic species found in the clean, cold, fast-flowing rivers of Virginia's mountains. They breathe primarily through folds of skin along their sides and require highly oxygenated water. Their populations have declined sharply due to water quality degradation and sedimentation. Finding a hellbender while fishing or snorkeling is a sign of an exceptionally healthy river.
Often confused with
Did you know
"Hellbenders are sometimes called 'snot otters,' 'devil dogs,' or 'Allegheny alligators' by anglers — and are completely harmless. They actually compete with trout for crayfish, not with anglers for fish."
Sightings & citizen science
Help document Virginia wildlife by logging your sightings on iNaturalist. Every observation builds the conservation data that researchers and rehabbers depend on.
View Eastern Hellbender observations on iNaturalist ↗If you've found an injured or displaced Eastern Hellbender in Virginia, our triage guide walks you through what to do.