Help the Hellbender

Now you know what a Hellbender tongue and teeth look like!

While the Hellbenders were under anesthesia for transmitter placement recently, we took the opportunity to do a full physical. Collecting weight, total length, snout-vent length, blood samples and cheek swabs.

Each Hellbender had their own swab to avoid cross contamination. We used a wooden swab handle to gently open their mouths.

This Hellbender is actually laying on its back on the measuring tape, which is why the perspective looks strange.

All Hellbender procedures are performed by licensed veterinarians after being approved by Purdue's Animal Care and Use Committee and IDNR.

These hellbenders are waking up after a procedure. We know the anesthesia has worn off when they are able to flip themselves over.

For Hellbender procedures, we soak them in anesthesia, which is absorbed through their skin. We will monitor the hellbenders and place them on their backs when movements slow down. We know the anesthesia is working when they cannot turn themselves back over.

It is the reverse when they are waking up. After the procedure the hellbenders are placed on their backs in the recovery tank. When they are able to flip over we know that they are awake and can be moved back into their home systems.

The two animals that have flipped themselves over are ready to go back, while the one who is upside down needs a little more time.

This 1 and 1/2-year-old hellbender is enjoying a tasty crayfish!
Young hellbenders will eat a variety of small macroinvertebrates including crayfish!