Dear ,
The Eastern hellbender, one of North America’s most ancient and fascinating creatures, is facing a serious crisis. Growing up to 2 feet long, these incredible salamanders have ruled the rocky river bottoms of the Eastern U.S. for 65 million years—but they’re now in danger.
Hellbenders need clean, cold, flowing water to survive. Unfortunately, the impacts of human actions—pollution, habitat loss, disease, and contaminated waters—are pushing them to the brink. Today, their numbers have declined by 80 percent and the remaining dwindling populations face the grave threat of extinction.
After 15 years of delay, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has finally proposed listing the hellbender as endangered, following successful federal litigation by Waterkeeper Alliance and our partners* challenging the Service's failure to protect these incredible creatures under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This is a huge win, but it’s only the beginning.
Hellbenders, North America’s largest salamander, deserve a comprehensive recovery plan and on-the-ground habitat protection to secure their future. The proposal needs our voices to become a reality, and now it's up to us to ensure the FWS follows through and officially lists hellbenders as endangered as soon as possible.
We need your help to push this over the finish line! Write to the FWS today and urge them to finalize ESA protection, giving these ancient salamanders the lifeline they need to recover.
Why Your Voice Matters
Hellbenders are a sentinel species. This means that their survival is a direct indicator of river health. Protecting them will safeguard not only these incredible amphibians, but also the habitats of thousands of other freshwater species, as well as the communities that depend on clean, healthy rivers. Human action has put hellbenders at risk. Now, it’s time to use our collective action to protect these incredible creatures before it’s too late.
The public comment period closes on February 11—don’t hesitate, act today!
Thank you for your continued support in saving the hellbender!
Sincerely,
Daniel E. Estrin
General Counsel and Legal Director
Waterkeeper Alliance
