All about hellbenders

Seldom seen species the topic of final 2024 Zahner Lecture

  • Hellbenders look scary, but they pose no threat to humans and are an important part of the ecosystem in Western North Carolina.
    Hellbenders look scary, but they pose no threat to humans and are an important part of the ecosystem in Western North Carolina.

    There may not be another animal on the planet with a scarier name.

    Toss in the fact that they are seldom seen in the wild, and it adds an air of mystery.

    Perhaps that’s why hellbenders are misunderstood.

    But the Highlands Biological Foundation is hoping to clear up some of the common misconceptions surrounding hellbenders during the final Zahner Lecture of 2024 when North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Biologist Lori Williams presents “All About Hellbenders” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15 at the Highlands Nature Center.

    Williams’ talk will cover the life history, ecology, and habitat of these fascinating creatures, as well as the threats they face and the conservation efforts underway in North Carolina to protect them. Attendees will be treated to underwater video clips of hellbenders in their natural habitat and will get to meet Rocky, NCWRC’s resident species ambassador — a live hellbender.

    Although they are large and slimy, hellbenders are not poisonous or venomous (contrary to popular belief). In fact, they are harmless to humans. Many hellbenders are killed by people out of fear or ignorance, which is part of why their survival in North Carolina is at risk.

    The Eastern Hellbender is classified as a nongame species with no open season. It is state-listed as a species of special concern. Because hellbenders are a protected species, it is illegal to kill, harm, collect, harass or sell them. The hellbender also is a “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” in the N.C. Wildlife Action Plan.

    Williams, originally from Raleigh, is a Certified Wildlife Biologist with over 20 years of experience in wildlife conservation and ecology. She holds a B.S. in English from Appalachian State University, a B.S. in Wildlife Science, and an M.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife from Virginia Tech. Based near Asheville, Williams coordinates and conducts amphibian inventory, monitoring, and research projects in the mountain region for the NCWRC.

    The final Zahner Lecture of the year is sponsored by Karen Patterson. Join HBF at the Highlands Nature Center for this unique opportunity to learn about and see an Eastern Hellbender up close. A small reception will follow.

    The Highlands Nature Center is part of the Highlands Biological Station, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University.