Hellbenders lead a dangerous life. Adults have to watch out for predators like river otters and raccoons. Young hellbenders face even more predators, including fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, and even larger hellbenders.

Do hellbenders bite?

Although the Eastern hellbender is sometimes called the Allegheny Alligator or the Devil Dog, it is in fact harmless. Its bite is not poisonous. Its small teeth are used to eat crayfish, snails and worms. The Eastern hellbender has a face only a mother, or a herpetologist, could love.

What does a Hellbender salamander eat?

Its diet is mostly crayfish, supplemented by small fish, other hellbenders, tadpoles, toads and water snakes. After having covered 30-60 feet and eaten up to 4 crayfish in a night, the salamander returns to its home rock by morning. Adults are extremely territorial, usually chasing off any daytime visitors.