Today’s Wild Fact is walking on the dark and evil side as we study an aquatic salamander called the Hellbender.  We are not sure where this unusual name for such a harmless animal came from but one theory is this.  Early settlers may have believed that this odd looking creature was from the depths of hell and consequently was bent on getting back there.  Of course this is just a theory since nobody knows for sure.  Heck, we can all make up our own theories – so if you have an interesting theory as to how this salamander got stuck with a name like Hellbender then please feel free to share in the comments below.

In reality the Hellbender is not from the dark and fiery depths of hell.  Instead they are found along the rocky bottoms of rapid flowing streams in North America.  Here is something you may not have known, the Hellbender is the 3rd largest species of salamander in the world.  Only the Japanese Giant Salamander and the Chinese Giant Salamander are larger.  For the record the Hellbender can grow up to 74 cm (29″) long and can weigh up to 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs).  Just imagine a two foot long, slippery, slithery salamander swimming across your path.  Now I am starting to see where the theory that these animals are from hell came from.

So what does this giant amphibian eat?  The toes of humans of course! Okay, I am just messing with you.  They actually like to feast on crayfish and small fish so your toes are safe…………for now.  Although, it doesn’t seem like these animals are fussy eaters since they have been observed eating toads, tadpoles, lamprey, small mammals and even the skin that they shed.  How hungry must you be to eat your own skin?

You remember when I said that the Hellbender won’t eat your toes?  Well this is still true but it is important to note that this salamander has a very powerful jaw and can deliver a painful bite.  So you may not want to shove your toes in the Hellbender’s face.

It looks like we survived our trip to the darkest depths of our world.  Oh Oh, it looks like we are missing one person……good thing you all signed that liability release form.  You did sign it right?  Okay, I am done being silly for today.  See you tomorrow for the last fact of the week.