Becoming the Hellbender

That's what we told onlookers as they watched our wildlife biologists slithering, face-down through a stream.

Our team of wildlife experts partnered with the North Carolina Natural Resource Commission for a special mission: surveying hellbenders. They left no crevice unsearched as they carefully combed through the river channeling their inner amphibian. Hellbenders, often referred to as giant salamanders, are more than just curious creatures. They are what we call an indicator species. They tell us a lot about how healthy our waterways are since they are only able to thrive in clear, clean, cool water, with a stable flow of food. "Hellbenders are nature's water quality sensors," explained Ben Dalton, a wildlife biologist with the North Carolina Natural Resource Commission. "They're incredibly sensitive to changes in their habitat."

During our survey, we were careful not to disturb their home too much while we looked for them. We moved rocks and checked under them, making sure to put everything back just right. Dalton commented, "I wish people knew the importance of leaving rocks undisturbed in rivers. Our hellbenders rely on these natural shelters for protection and nesting. Moving rocks disturbs their habitats, making it harder for them to survive and thrive in our waterways."

We did not find any hellbenders during this part of the survey despite the clean water and abundant food in the area. This serves as a reminder of how tough life can be for them nowadays. It shows why it's so important to protect their homes and keep these habitats safe. Our surveys give us important information about how many hellbenders are around and where they like to live best. This helps us make sure they stay healthy and happy. By monitoring hellbender populations and identifying ideal habitats like these, we can ensure these remarkable creatures continue to thrive in North Carolina's waters, where they belong.