Hellbenders are the largest salamanders in North America, reaching 75 cm. They are declining rapidly across Appalachia due to stream sedimentation, disease, and collection pressure.
Hellbender welfare is directly threatened by stream sedimentation from agricultural and forestry practices, which clogs the rocky substrate they require for nesting and breathing. The chytrid-like fungal disease causes skin lesions and immune failure. Illegal killing by fishers is preventable through education. Captive breeding programmes have been established at several Appalachian zoos, but release success depends on improving stream quality in receiving habitats. Without stream restoration, captive breeding is welfare-positive for individuals but cannot sustain wild populations.