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  • About Us
    • Meet
    • Board of Directors
    • Advisory Council
  • Donate
  • Blog
  • Podcasts
  • Report a concern
  • Songs 2023
  • Partners
  • Nature Book Club
  • Gift Shop
  • Watershed Opportunities
  • HERYN PROGRAM
  • Floating Classroom
  • Hellbenders
  • Survey
  • Vernal Pools
  • Sentinels
  • Kayaking/Fishing Resources
  • Video Lessons
  • Photos 2020
  • Other Events
    • Sunrise Sunset Susquehanna
    • Bridges Over Troubled Water
    • Dumplings At Dusk
  • Issues
    • Signed Support Letters
  • Engage
    • News Alerts
    • Songs 2021
    • Song Project
    • Photo/poetry contest
  • 2018 PA River of the Year
  • 10 Fun Facts
  • For Children
  • Prison Project
  • Contact Us
  • Crossword Puzzle
  • Songs 2022

Eastern hellbender

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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:
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 ...

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Sept. 3, 2021 -- Pilot program helps restore Eastern hellbenders to river basin as more resources sought to expand efforts

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Sept. 3, 2021 -- Heralding the hellbender: Severing stereotypes offers a step toward savoring salamander's significance

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July 1, 2021 -- Lawsuit filed to overturn denial of endangered species protection to Eastern hellbenders

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April 9, 2021 -- Podcast: Hellbender expert Peter Petokas on dwindling populations, amphibian's importance and what can be done

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March 4, 2021 -- Notice of intent filed vs. US Fish and Wildlife Service to spark protection for Eastern hellbender
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
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Submitted by Kendall, age 8
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Submitted by Willow, age 7
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Submitted by Addison, age 10
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Submitted by Kelsey, age 6
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Submitted by Athena, age 5

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