The Eastern hellbender is one of three "giant" salamander species found world-wide and the largest salamander in the United States, growing upwards of 24-30 inches in length and 4-5 pounds.
Unfortunately, hellbenders number continue to dwindle throughout the Susquehanna River basin. The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association has joined the Center for Biological Diversity, the Waterkeeper Alliance, Waterkeepers Chesapeake and the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association in a lawsuit against the US Fish and Wildlife Service to initiate a threatened or endangered designation for the species.
In an effort to raise awareness, check out the following elements, starting with neat underwater footage of a hellbender from Michael Kinney:
Unfortunately, hellbenders number continue to dwindle throughout the Susquehanna River basin. The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association has joined the Center for Biological Diversity, the Waterkeeper Alliance, Waterkeepers Chesapeake and the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association in a lawsuit against the US Fish and Wildlife Service to initiate a threatened or endangered designation for the species.
In an effort to raise awareness, check out the following elements, starting with neat underwater footage of a hellbender from Michael Kinney:
Here is a video from Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky on a juvenile hellbender release in late August in the upper reaches of the Susquehanna River basin.
Stories and updates ...
Sept. 3, 2021 -- Pilot program helps restore Eastern hellbenders to river basin as more resources sought to expand efforts
Sept. 3, 2021 -- Heralding the hellbender: Severing stereotypes offers a step toward savoring salamander's significance
July 1, 2021 -- Lawsuit filed to overturn denial of endangered species protection to Eastern hellbenders
April 9, 2021 -- Podcast: Hellbender expert Peter Petokas on dwindling populations, amphibian's importance and what can be done
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Check out Riverkeeper John Zaktansky's newest column on the hellbender and the need for the state to reconsider protections for this creature in light of a new issue on the Loyalsock Creek. (Written Sept. 20, 2022)
Check out the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper podcast episode with Dr. Peter Petokas on the hellbender, published in April of 2021:
At a recent river festival in Sunbury, PA, young people were encouraged to create posters that help raise awareness of the hellbender's plight. We encourage others to join the effort -- have your child create a hand-drawn poster and we will continue to share their work on this page. You can email scanned copies of their poster to midsusriver@gmail.com
Submitted by Kendall, age 8
Submitted by Willow, age 7
Submitted by Addison, age 10
Submitted by Kelsey, age 6
Submitted by Athena, age 5
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