Eastern HellbenderĀ (Cryptobranchus a. alleganiensis), family Cryptobranchidae, found in freshwater streams in the eastern US
The smallest of the āGiant Salamandersā in the family Cryptobranchidae, this aquatic salamander is nonetheless quite large, growing to a length of up to 29 inches.
While only considered āVulnerableā nationally, this species is considered endangered in some states.
(The USFWS is has proposed that the species be listed as ENDANGERED under the Endangered Species Act.)
The other subspecies of hellbender is the Ozark Hellbender (C. a. bishopi), which is endangered.
photographs byĀ Anthony Brais