Check out this charming beast! The hellbender is a species of aquatic giant salamander endemic to the eastern and central United States. Up to two feet in length, it's the largest North American amphibian. Also called “mountain alligators” and “snot otters,” these unique aquatic salamanders have recently declined by more than 80% and face ever-increasing threats. Adapted to walk on rocky river bottoms with their grippy toes, hellbenders rely on clean, cold water to thrive. Because they're extrem

Just a baby Hellbender in its egg @conservationfisheries #hellbender #giantsalamander #salamander #egg #conservation #sonyalpha | Andrew Zimmerman Photography