A giant aquatic salamander of streams in the eastern and central United States, and the largest amphibian in North America. It breathes mostly through the folds of skin along its sides, which are rich in blood vessels, and walks along stream beds instead of swimming.
Quick answers
What is it?Amphibian
Carnivore?Yes
Dangerous?No
Domesticated?No
Awake when?Night
At least somewhat nocturnal, with a peak about two hours after dark.
Hibernates?No
Kept as a pet?No
Do people eat it?No
At a glance
Found inNorth America
HabitatRivers & lakes
ColoursBrown, Grey
SizeMedium
Length30–74 cm in total
Weight1.5–2.5 kg
Legs4
Covered inSkin
Lives alone
Lives for25–30 years
Can swim
Lays eggs
In the wild
- Where it lives
- Eastern and central United States.
- What it eats
- Mainly crayfish and small fish, caught at night; also insects, worms, tadpoles and smaller salamanders.
- Conservation
- Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
Did you know
North America's largest salamander, up to 74 cm, and it breathes through skin folds.
Its many nicknames include snot otter, lasagna lizard and devil dog.
Nearly 80% of eastern hellbender populations are declining or have disappeared.
Often confused with
On these lists
Sources
Last reviewed
Play
Could you have guessed it?
A photo, a few hints, one guess. Same 438 animals.
