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How to Locate Hellbender Salamanders in Pennsylvania

Eastern hellbender salamanders live across the state of Pennsylvania but can be hard to find. These type of salamanders are normally gray in color but are sometimes brown or black on their backs with a lighter colored belly. Most are around 11 to 20 inches in length and are commonly distinguished by the floppy flaps of skin on the sides of their legs and bodies. It is best to leave them in the wild when you find them, since they do not live well as pets.

Instructions

- 1
  Plan out where you would like to search for hellbender salamanders in your area. It can be difficult to locate them but they can be found all across the state of Pennsylvania. Since their skin must stay moist for survival, they must live in areas that stay moist.
- 2
  Search along large and medium-sized streams. Look in shallow water that is quick flowing and has gravel or sand at the bottom. They like to bury themselves about an inch down under the sand or gravel.
- 3
  Look in areas along the streams that have large flat rock slabs along the bottom edge. This is the area they commonly breed in during the fall months. They leave their hiding places and are more active during this time. Lift up small rotten logs and look under them.

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