The Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) is the largest North American salamander, with adults typically up to 20 inches in length (record length 29.1 inches). This impressive animal is fully aquatic, with a flattened head and short appendages, suitable for hiding in crevices under rocks. Hellbenders live in well-oxygenated creeks or rivers with moderate to strong current and large, flat rocks to burrow under. They are primarily active at night (Maryland DNR site; Virginia Herpetological Society site). Hellbenders were historically found in the Susquehanna River, where it is now extirpated. Currently known in Maryland from a couple of rivers in Garrett County. Young Hellbenders apparently have difficulty escaping the voracious appetite of the introduced Brown Trout. The species is state-endangered in Maryland, and ranked as S1. It has a global conservation rank of G3 (moderate risk of extinction).
There are 16 records in the project database.
GA | AL | WA | FR | CL | MO | HO | BA | BC | HA | CE | PG | AA | CV | CH | SM | KE | QA | CN | TA | DO | WI | SO | WO |