Don’t Let Them Disappear: Save the Hellbender!

The Eastern Hellbender, North America’s largest salamander, needs our help. This elusive species, found in 15 states across Appalachia and beyond, has seen over 80% of its historic range disappear due to sedimentation, habitat destruction, climate change, and disease.

Hellbenders have survived millions of years but are now at risk of extinction.

The threats to Hellbenders—sedimentation, climate change, disease, and extreme weather—are interwoven and require immediate, coordinated action. Sedimentation buries the flat rocks needed for nesting and survival, while rising temperatures and extreme droughts impair their ability to feed and reproduce. These challenges are compounded by diseases like chytrid fungus, which become more lethal at higher temperatures.

How You Can Help

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the Eastern Hellbender as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. This designation would help fund critical conservation efforts and protect its habitat. But we need your help to make it happen!

The comment deadline closes on February 11th.

Add your voice with ours now to save the hellbender!