Learn all about the Eastern hellbender, its plight here in the Susquehanna River basin and what you can do to help it gain the protections it needs through this special e-magazine publication with exclusive interviews from regional experts and a wide variety of other information, links and more:
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, as an estimated 95 percent of its habitat has been lost due to sedimentation and other pollutants and issues.
On September 5, 2023, the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association was among five environmental groups involved in a federal court ruling that will require the US Fish and Wildlife Service to reconsiders its lack of Endangered Species Act protections for this species. We will update this page with the progress of that process as well as add other hellbender-related stories and other elements as they are available.
Unfortunately, hellbenders number continue to dwindle throughout the Susquehanna River basin, as an estimated 95 percent of its habitat has been lost due to sedimentation and other pollutants and issues.
On September 5, 2023, the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association was among five environmental groups involved in a federal court ruling that will require the US Fish and Wildlife Service to reconsiders its lack of Endangered Species Act protections for this species. We will update this page with the progress of that process as well as add other hellbender-related stories and other elements as they are available.
Stories and updates ...
Sept. 6, 2023 -- Federal judge voids 2019 decision on lack of hellbender protections, species' status to be reassessed
Check out Riverkeeper John Zaktansky's 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)
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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Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper podcast episode interview with Matt Kaunert from August 2024:
Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper podcast episode interview with Dr. Peter Petokas from August 2024:
Printable hellbender petitionWant to help us push for better protections for the Eastern hellbender? Either fill out the online petition or you can click the box below for a printable PDF to fill out and mail to our office.
HELLBENDER SONGSWe have had three original submissions to our Songs of the Susquehanna dedicated to the hellbender. Check out all three and vote on which ones are your favorite here.
Hellbender videosIn an effort to raise awareness, check out the following elements, starting with neat local 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:
HELLBENDERS ON TVCheck out the special episode of WNEP TV's Pennsylvania Outdoor Life that featured Dr. Peter Petokas and a local search for eastern hellbenders.
HELLBENDER PODCASTCheck out the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper podcast episode with Dr. Peter Petokas on the hellbender, published in April of 2021:
Awareness via art ...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 [email protected]
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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