Hellbender. Sounds like something out of a horror movie, right? With a flat head, tiny eyes, wide mouth, and long wrinkly body, hellbenders are certainly misunderstood and undervalued for the marvelous critters that they are–a unique regional treasure and an indicator species to overall ecological health.

Post Hurricane Helene and its devastating impact on southwest Virginia that began in late September of last year, people have been more curious than ever about what hellbenders are and how these animals are doing in the wake of such an unprecedented natural disaster.