What is a hellbender?  The origin of the name "hellbender" is unclear. The Missouri Department of Conservation says:  The name 'hellbender' probably comes from the animal's odd look. One theory claims the hellbender was named by settlers who thought "it was a creature from hell where it's bent on returning." Another rendition says the undulating skin of a hellbender reminded observers of "horrible tortures of the infernal regions." In reality, it's a harmless aquatic salamander.  Common names include "snot otter", "devil dog", "mud-devil", "grampus", "Allegheny alligator", and "mud dog".

The Last Dragons is a part of a series of videos from Freshwater Illustrated. This short episode focuses on the conservation efforts on behalf of this rare amphibian, found in some shallow, fast-flowing, rocky Pennsylvania streams and rivers.  Learn more about this strange but fascinating creature while viewing this incredible video at the Halfway Run Environmental Learning Center.