Hellbenders: Natural History, Ecology and Conservation

Hellbenders, a type of giant salamander, are known by numerous nicknames including, but not limited to “snot otter,” “mud devil,” “lasagna lizard,” “Allegheny alligator,” and “devil dog. These giant, elusive salamanders—once common in the eastern U.S.—are now facing steep population declines. Matt Neff, Curator of Estuarine Biology at the Calvert Marine Museum (CMM), will begin with a primer on salamanders and their ecological importance, then dive into the biology and behavior of hellbenders, sharing stories from his fieldwork and insights into their unique adaptations. Learn about CMM’s hellbender exhibit and the innovative conservation efforts underway to protect this endangered species.

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