The Atlas Obscura Podcast North Carolina’s Hellbenders
Feb 18, 2026
Will Harlan, Southeast Director at the Center for Biological Diversity and longtime hellbender researcher who snorkels to survey populations. He talks about hellbender biology and ancient adaptations. He discusses population declines, hurricane damage and surprising signs of resilience. He highlights community conservation and where to see them responsibly.
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First Snorkel Encounter With A Den Master
- Will Harlan described his first hellbender encounter while snorkeling and seeing a male den master guarding eggs under a boulder.
- He felt awe watching the wrinkled salamander curled under the rock and refused to disturb the protective male.
Wrinkled Skin Is A Respiratory Adaptation
- Hellbenders breathe through their wrinkled skin which increases surface area for oxygen exchange in fast, cool streams.
- Their folded 'lasagna sides' are a key adaptation allowing them to survive by sitting under rocks and ambushing prey.
Clean Water Is The Species' Lifeline
- Hellbenders require clean, cool, well-oxygenated water and cannot survive in sediment-filled, muddy rivers.
- Sediment clogs their skin, preventing breathing and feeding, making water quality the species' main limiting factor.