Where Kentucky's hellbenders live and what they need to survive

UK studies where hellbenders live, what they need to survive

LEXINGTON — A new University of Kentucky study used environmental DNA (eDNA) to search 90 sites across 73 rivers for Eastern hellbenders — large, secretive salamanders nicknamed “snot otters” and

UK studies where Kentucky’s hellbenders live, what they need to survive

LEXINGTON — A new University of Kentucky study used environmental DNA (eDNA) to search 90 sites across 73 rivers for Eastern hellbenders — large, secretive salamanders nicknamed “snot otters” and “lasagna lizards” for their mucous secretions and the skin folds…

Hellbender salamanders are huge—and in trouble

The Eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus a. alleganiensis) isn’t nearly as fearsome as its name implies. They’re actually somewhat cute, if you can get past the salamander’s slimy, mucousy skin that’s earned it such nicknames, such as “snot otter” and “lasagna lizard.” Although hellbenders can grow up to two feet long, the amphibians are notoriously elusive and prefer to reside under large, flat rocks in well-oxygenated waterways that snake throug…

Where Kentucky's hellbenders live and what they need to survive

A new University of Kentucky study used environmental DNA (eDNA) to search 90 sites across 73 rivers for Eastern hellbenders—large, secretive salamanders nicknamed "snot otters" and "lasagna lizards" for their mucus secretions and the skin folds that help them breathe.